Leadership Development – Champion of the Year Spotlight, Ericka Doan
Ericka Doan is not only a Board Member for our Central Illinois office, she is also a Nominee for our Champion of the Year campaign currently underway in Peoria. Ericka, a former Best Buddies participant in college, graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science, Communication Disorders and Sciences. She later received her Master of Science, Speech-Language Pathology at Illinois State University and Masters, Educational Leadership from American College of Education.
We asked her a few questions to learn more about why she is involved and what she is looking forward to accomplishing this year.
Q: What are your previous involvements with Best Buddies?
I joined Best Buddies as an undergraduate student at Eastern Illinois University. My roommate was also a member. We often scheduled outings with our Buddies together so we could give them a more “college-like” experience as opposed to just meting one-on-one. I loved being part of the organization, fundraising, and simply increasing awareness on campus and in the surrounding community!
Q: Why did you decide to get involved with the Champion of the Year event?
I can’t say no! Haha! In all honesty, I have lived in the area for 4 years and can see a community that is welcoming and supportive. I was able to get a Best Buddies chapter up and running at Richwoods High School last year. I am excited to continue increasing awareness for people with disabilities and to raise money for a great organization!
Q: What are you looking forward to the most during your Champion of the Year campaign?
The party of course! I am inviting many friends and family members to the Champion of the Year Gala. I think it will give them better insight into what Best Buddies is, and may inspire them to start a chapter in their area. I’m also excited about fundraising and speaking with local businesses. I’m hopeful that even if I’m unable to secure a donation or sponsorship, I can create new contacts in businesses that could provide job experiences for my students both during high school and beyond!
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You can support Ericka’s Champion of the Year campaign by visiting bestbuddieschampion.org/centralil.
