We’re thrilled to welcome Xochitl Carlos Mendez to Best Buddies International as our new Deputy Director, International Jobs & Transitions. Xochitl brings a powerful blend of heart, strategy, and global perspective to this role, and we are excited for the leadership she will provide as we continue expanding inclusive employment opportunities around the world.

Xochitl is a nonprofit leader with extensive experience in community engagement, strategic partnerships, and international program development. Her work is grounded in connection, care, and thoughtful strategy — a combination that aligns deeply with the mission and values of Best Buddies. She first became involved with Best Buddies as a volunteer with Best Buddies Mexico, while also supporting other disability-focused organizations across the country. These early experiences shaped her commitment to advancing inclusion and strengthening communities through relationship-centered leadership.

Over the course of her career, Xochitl has worked across nonprofit and international settings, helping to build and scale programs designed for long-term, sustainable impact. She has supported the co-founding of social impact organizations, cultivated cross-sector partnerships, and led initiatives that transform bold ideas into actionable, measurable outcomes. Her ability to bridge vision with implementation makes her uniquely positioned to support country programs at every stage of development.

Xochitl holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy, equipping her with both a systems-level understanding of program development and a deep appreciation for the human relationships at the center of our work. Her academic background, combined with her lived experience in the field, allows her to approach employment and transition programming with empathy, innovation, and rigor.

In her new role, Xochitl will partner closely with country leadership to strengthen and expand Best Buddies’ international Jobs and Transitions programming. She will focus on enhancing implementation quality, supporting program growth, and driving measurable impact across multiple countries. We are confident that her leadership will help advance inclusive employment pathways for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities worldwide.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Xochitl to the Best Buddies International team!