From July 18 to 21, 2025, the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference (BBLC) happened at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana! This annual event gathered more than 2,500 student and community leaders from across the globe to celebrate being “Wickedly Inclusive”. Among that global gathering, our Pennsylvania delegation proudly included 95 participants! These individuals were a vibrant mix of high school leaders, college leaders, advisors, ambassadors, and community leaders representing our state’s commitment to inclusion and leadership.

BBLC is designed to be transformative. Over four days, attendees engage in leadership trainings, advocacy workshops, fundraising strategy sessions, and networking forums! The weekend started with opening ceremonies with electrifying performances, special guests, and keynote speeches that set a spirited tone, while the Best Buddies Friendship Walk happened on Saturday and the Festival of Friendship on Sunday!

Our group of 95 benefited from a rich array of activities tailored to their diverse roles. Breakout sessions offered peer-led forums, professional development workshops, and interactive training opportunities designed to equip all leaders—whether student or community—to deepen their skills and advocacy impact!

Highlighting the experience, Samantha Civitate, Pennsylvania State Director, reflected:

“The recent BBLC was such a rewarding and exceptional experience, fueling the passion of our student leaders to drive positive change in their communities. … As State Director, I am constantly inspired by our volunteer’s commitment to creating lasting connections and making a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities…”

We are so excited to report that our participants returned energized, equipped with new tools, ideas, and a stronger network to elevate Best Buddies’ mission at home and on their campuses! We can’t wait to see all they will do this year!

Their dedication, and enthusiasm will continue to inspire all of us to build a more inclusive, supportive, and unified future, one friendship at a time!!