Meet the team working to expand out our global reach.
Cary Ombres
Position: Vice President, International Programs & Development
Role: Expansion and Mission Advancement
Email: CaryOmbres@bestbuddie.org
LinkedIn: View profile
Cary’s journey with Best Buddies International began in high school, igniting his passion for supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With degrees in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida and Leadership from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Cary joined Best Buddies in 2010 as a Program Manager in Orlando. Advancing rapidly, he oversaw statewide initiatives and expanded the Jobs program in Florida through effective fundraising. Appointed Senior Director of Foundations in 2019, Cary now serves as Vice President of Expansion & Mission Advancement, leading global growth strategies for Best Buddies.
Jennifer Allen
Position: Senior Director
Role: International Programs
Email: JenniferAllen@bestbuddies.org
LinkedIn: View profile
Jennifer Allen serves as the Senior Director of International Programs at Best Buddies International, where she has been a transformative leader, driving the organization’s global mission to create opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With over a decade of experience in international fundraising and program development, Jennifer has led the strategic expansion of Best Buddies into new regions, fostering partnerships that have broadened the organization’s reach and impact in 46 countries.
Her role at Best Buddies encompasses fundraising and overseeing program implementation across multiple countries, ensuring that each initiative aligns with the organization’s core values and mission.
Jennifer holds an Executive MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain, one of the top ten business schools globally, further enhancing her strategic and leadership skills. She sits on the board of various global nonprofit organizations, lending her expertise to initiatives that promote social justice and inclusion. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Jennifer’s trilingual abilities have been crucial in building cross-cultural connections and fostering effective communication in her international work.
A dynamic and empathetic leader, Jennifer is known for her ability to inspire teams and cultivate a culture of innovation and inclusion. She is also a certified yoga instructor, bringing a holistic approach to leadership and personal development. Her commitment to education and empowerment is evident in the over 50 training sessions she has conducted in more than 25 countries, sharing her insights on leadership, program management, and social entrepreneurship.
Emma Zagar
Position: Director, International Development
Role: Corporate Partnerships & Individual Giving
Email: EmmaZagar@bestbuddies.org
LinkedIn: View profile
Emma Zagar brings over a decade of experience to her role as Director of International Development at Best Buddies. Having previously served in various roles at Best Buddies, including Employment Consultant and Regional Director of National Expansion, Emma played a key part in expanding the mission into new markets through fundraising and program development. Most recently, she was Director of Strategy Enablement at the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp), where she excelled in driving sales strategies and cross-departmental collaboration. Emma’s focus on creating scalable processes and data-informed decision-making complements Best Buddies’ vision for global growth. She is passionate about advancing opportunities for individuals with IDD and is committed to driving the organization’s expansion through strategic partnerships and individual giving.
Lexie Appleby
Position: International Regional Director
Role: Signature Events
Email: LexieAppleby@bestbuddies.org
LinkedIn: View profile
Lexie Appleby blends expertise in special and elementary education with leadership in mental health and entertainment. She excelled as a teacher and Director of ‘Be Well Initiatives’ at Burrell Behavioral Health, showcasing strong skills in budget management and community engagement. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lexie is a dedicated Breast Cancer Advocate and former NFL Cheerleader for the Indianapolis Colts. At Best Buddies, she spearheads global initiatives promoting inclusion and friendship for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing fundraising and strategic partnerships for sustainable international growth.
Monica Moya
Position: Director, Operations & Programs
Role: Friendship & Ambassador Programs
Email: MonicaMoya@bestbuddies.org
LinkedIn: View profile
Monica Moya joined Best Buddies International in 2017, starting as a Program Manager in South Florida. Since then, she has advanced to roles including Program Supervisor for South Florida in 2020, Deputy Director of Programs for Expansion the next year, and Deputy Director of Communications and Stewardship for Expansion in 2022. Currently, as Director of Operations and Programs for International Expansion, Monica leads strategic initiatives to ensure global program success, leveraging her bilingual proficiency and multicultural background to foster inclusivity worldwide.
Matthew Fernandez
Position: Manager, International Jobs & Transitions
Role: Jobs & Transitions Programs
Email: MatthewFernandez@bestbuddies.org
LinkedIn: View profile
Matthew “Matt” Fernandez is the Program Manager for International Programs at Best Buddies International, where he plays a pivotal role in managing and expanding the organization’s global initiatives. With a robust background in both international program management and job development for individuals with disabilities, Matt is dedicated to advancing Best Buddies’ mission to create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Before joining the International Programs team, Matt was part of the Best Buddies Jobs team. His work focused on bridging the unemployment gap for people with disabilities, emphasizing job retention for employees with intellectual disabilities, and fostering partnerships with new employers. His experience extends beyond job placement; Matt has also been instrumental in delivering Diversity and Inclusion disability initiatives through comprehensive training programs tailored for global corporations.
A proud graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Education, Matt also has a history of working in Special Education,
Residing in Orlando, FL, Matt balances his professional dedication with a personal commitment to family and friends, a love for sports, and a passion for visiting theme parks.
Nani Bianco
Position: Executive Coordinator
Role: Operations
Email: NaniBianco@bestbuddies.org
LinkedIn: View profile
Nani Blanco is the Executive Coordinator for International Programs at Best Buddies International, where she has been contributing since 2023. In her role, she manages administrative and operational tasks and coordinates key events, including the Best Buddies Leadership Conference and the Global Staff Forum. Nani graduated from Rollins College with a double major in Social Entrepreneurship and Communication Studies. As a former Bonner Leader, she has volunteered with organizations focused on food security, retirement communities, and schools for children with autism. She is passionate about the UNSDGs and the importance of mental health. In her free time, Nani enjoys tennis, photography, nature walks, and traveling home to Costa Rica to visit its beautiful beaches. She currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Become A Part of the Global Movement
To learn more about Best Buddies’ international programs and how we’re making a global impact, click the button below. Together, we can continue to foster inclusion and create lasting change in communities worldwide!
We look forward to the continued impact our global team will have in the year ahead!
