The 2025 Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) saw Minnesota bring its largest delegation yet, 28 participants, to Indiana University for an unforgettable weekend of learning, sharing, and celebrating inclusion. The diverse group included middle school, high school, and college students, ambassadors, parent ambassadors and advisors.

This year’s theme was Wickedly Inclusive, and the conference united nearly 2,400 attendees from all 50 states and 18 countries, all passionate about advancing the mission of Best Buddies: inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Growing Representation and First-Time Milestones

This was Minnesota’s third year attending BBLC, and it marked a series of firsts:

• Representatives from eight new schools joined the delegation
• Middle schoolers and elementary school advisors participated for the first time

Despite unpredictable weather and high humidity, the Minnesota group remained energized and eager to enhance their leadership skills while deepening their commitment to inclusion.

Their schedules were jam-packed with keynote speakers, educational sessions, and workshops designed to engage and inspire. These opportunities were carefully tailored to empower participants in their unique roles as leaders within their chapters.

Highlights from the Wickedly Inclusive Weekend

The World Cafe was a favorite among Minnesota attendees. The session connected participants from different states to meet fellow student leaders, share processes, and collaborate on new ideas for their chapters. Jasper Haskins (Chapter President) and Ava Muench (Buddy Director) from Minnetonka High School shared a simple, but successful fundraiser that they host at their school that also spreads awareness about Best Buddies.

After the session, Ava was enthusiastic to share what she had learned: “Now I know how to be kind to other people, to be more inclusive, and how to include other people too.” Another student, Grace Thiele from Owatonna High School, added, “That was amazing! I learned so much and have so many ideas.”

Then, Saturday night’s Yellow Brick Bash brought the conference’s Wickedly Inclusive theme to life. This lively celebration started with a Friendship Walk to the party and included interactive activities with many friends, old and new. Some attendees even got the chance to meet the Improvaneers and get a photo with Tanner Smith from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum. On top of all that, live performances and the DJ had our group dancing the night away!

Special Awards and Recognition for Minnesota

A particularly proud moment for Minnesota was during the Opening Ceremonies, when our very own, Mikayla Holmgren, was given the Spirit of Courage Award. In front of the entire audience, she was recognized for “speaking boldly, living with heart, and inspiring others to dream big” as part of her work advocating for the disability community.

Additionally, four Minnesota schools received Outstanding Chapter of the Year awards:

• Washington Elementary School
• St. Anthony Middle School
• Minnetonka High School
• University of Minnesota – Rochester

These chapters were nominated by BBMN staff and recognized by Best Buddies International for their exemplary leadership and impact.

Lasting Impact and Inspired Change

The Best Buddies Leadership Conference was a fantastic experience for everyone who attended, and our Minnesota delegation certainly made a positive impact! The knowledge and experience gained at BBLC 2025 has left us energized and ready to lead.

From new strategies and ideas to stronger connections with other school chapters, BBLC was a reminder of true inclusion, where individuals can be their authentic selves, learn to be leaders, and advocate for social change. Our crew, with their newfound knowledge and inspiration, are set to lead the way in promoting the mission of Best Buddies and making a lasting impact here in Minnesota.

“I definitely took a lot away especially about how I and the other Rochester BB leadership can work towards growing our chapter to promote inclusion among more people. I’m so excited to take what I’ve learned and put it to work and hopefully see how much of a positive change and impact it can make in the future!”

— Ashley Kockler, UMN Rochester

About Best Buddies Leadership Conference

Travel fees and most conference costs for each participant are covered by Best Buddies in Minnesota from funds raised throughout the year. Donations, sponsorships, and grants help Best Buddies in Minnesota create opportunities for true inclusion where individuals can be their authentic selves, learn to be leaders, and advocate for inclusion, like at the Best Buddies Leadership Conference.

Next year’s conference will be held July 17th – 20th at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. To learn more, visit https://www.bestbuddies.org/bblc/.