We’re excited to be launching a new series in Best Buddies Illinois called Changemakers! Each month, we will feature a Friendship Chapter, Ambassador, Jobs participant, or Citizens Pair from Illinois who is going above and beyond in their community. Changemakers will be recognized not only for their impact on Best Buddies but also for the multitude of ways they are creating a more inclusive world every day.

We’d like to give a huge congratulations to our August Changemaker, Glenbard East High School! This Best Buddies chapter is located in the west Chicago suburbs and boasts an impressive number of almost 70 members. Glenbard East has consistently put together successful events that help develop the friendships between buddy pairs. Past events have included a Mock Mehndi ceremony with the school’s Asian American Student Association and a visit to the SlooMoo Slime Factory in Chicago with the school’s Girls Soccer Team. Now that’s an impressive feat!

Seven Glenbard East officers and their advisor are standing faced away from the camera with their thumbs pointing toward their purple tie-dye shirts. Behind the group is the Indiana University Auditorium with the five pillars of Best Buddies: One-To-One Friendships, Integrated Employment, Leadership Development, Inclusive Living, and Family Support.

This year, 7 Glenbard East chapter officers and their advisor, Erica Slusher, had the opportunity to attend the 2024 Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) in Bloomington, Indiana. Even more, the group designed fun and colorful shirts customized for each person on the leadership team. How cool is that?!

Reflecting on her experience on the Advisor track at BBLC, Slusher shares that she found immense value in connecting with other advisors from around the world. “I appreciate that Best Buddies takes the time to set up this weekend and is intentional in providing Advisors with an experience to learn, recharge, and get energized for the upcoming school year,” Slusher explained. Now, Slusher feels more confident in helping her students effectively lead their chapter in the fall.

For her students, Erica believes that the on-the-ground experience and educational sessions at BBLC benefitted them the most. Slusher says, “LC gives students a chance to see–not just hear or read–about inclusion and change.” Moving forward, Slusher is excited to see how BBLC will transform not only her students’ leadership skills but also their ways of approaching their personal lives. “I’ve had one of my students tell me how she feels her life has changed now that she’s experienced it, and I believe her, because I’ve felt the same.”

Glenbard East Best Buddies Advisor, Erica Slusher, stands faced away from the camera with her thumbs pointing toward her purple tie dye shirt. Behind her is the Indiana University Auditorium with three of the five pillars of Best Buddies: Integrated Employment, Leadership Development, and Inclusive Living.

Continue leading the way, Glenbard East! Are YOU interested in nominating someone or yourself to receive the Changemaker award? Fill out our nomination form HERE. To be selected for the following month, please submit this form no later than the 15th of the month. We look forward to continuing featuring amazing individuals who are advancing the mission of inclusion!