In an unforgettable evening that brings joy, talent, and inclusivity to center stage, Best Buddies Global Ambassador and Minnesota native, Mikayla Holmgren, was honored with the 2025 Best Buddies International Spirit of Courage Award, one of the most prestigious honors given to Best Buddies Ambassadors for their impact on the organization, at the annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference in July.

Presented by hosts David Quilleon and Fran Sheinberg, the Spirit of Courage Award is given to someone who speaks boldly, lives with heart, and inspires others to dream big. This year’s recipient, Mikayla Holmgren, embodies that mission, and so much more, as someone “whose courage and joy have not only broken-down barriers – but has built bridges across the disability community.”
In front of nearly 2,400 attendees in the auditorium of Indiana University, Mikayla accepted the award and went on to thank her parents and supporters and encouraged everyone to keep dreaming big.

Mikayla’s journey has been groundbreaking and inspirational. She is a proud graduate of Bethel University’s B.U.I.L.D Program, as well as a passionate dancer who lights up every stage. She’s also a fierce advocate, speaking at state capitols and even the United Nations, raising her voice for inclusion for all. In 2017, Mikayla made national headlines when she became the first woman with Down syndrome to compete in a Miss USA state pageant, with Best Buddies as her charity platform.

This marked the beginning of her deep involvement with Best Buddies where she currently serves as a Global Ambassador traveling across the country, speaking and performing at events. Through her involvement with Best Buddies in Minnesota as a Champion Candidate (winning Champion of the Year in 2021), mission partner, state ambassador, buddy, and volunteer, she has established herself as a strong disability advocate who consistently inspires others to dream big, stay positive, and make a difference.

Most notably, it was Mikayla’s commitment and influence to raise funds and awareness for the organization that helped launch the Best Buddies in Minnesota state office in 2020, when the first staff member was hired. Since then, Best Buddies in Minnesota has grown to support more than 2,500 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through seven different programs across the state. Now, Mikayla continues to give back by hosting her annual Dreaming Big Without Limits Fashion Show in Stillwater that has raised tens of thousands of dollars in support of Best Buddies in Minnesota over the past seven years.

Mikayla’s unwavering commitment to uplifting others, her unstoppable self-determination, and her passion for advancing inclusion make her a deserving recipient of the Spirit of Courage Award. Her inspiring journey and trailblazing spirit are redefining societal expectations and encouraging others to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams. Congratulations, and thank you, Mikayla!

For more information on Best Buddies in Minnesota, visit: www.bestbuddies.org/minnesota