This September, Best Buddies in Minnesota proudly launched a brand-new leadership development initiative, called the Ambassador Academy, as part of Best Buddies International’s global movement to empower individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The Ambassador Academy is a nine-month program designed to help participants strengthen their skills in public speaking, teamwork, and advocacy. Through monthly sessions, individuals will grow as leaders and develop the tools they need to share their stories, raise awareness, and make meaningful change in their communities.

Minnesota’s inaugural 2025-26 cohort kicked off on Wednesday, September 24th with 21 participants with and without IDD coming together at the Best Buddies in Minnesota office. The first session focused on building community and setting the tone for a supportive and engaging learning environment. Participants also got their first look at the exclusive curriculum they’ll be following throughout the program, which includes topics such as understanding and promoting inclusion, leadership styles, conflict resolution, social and professional skills, media and digital advocacy, and even building your personal brand.

Along the way, participants will form friendships, connections, and networks that last. By the end of the Academy, participants will graduate as official Best Buddies Ambassadors, equipped with lifelong leadership skills and the confidence to be strong advocates—not only for Best Buddies, but also for themselves.

“I joined to keep spreading inclusivity and to continue to grow as a leader.”
— Sam Boime, Ambassador Academy Cohort Member

The excitement and participation from the first session were strong, and we are so excited to witness the growth and impact these 21 leaders will bring.

Stay tuned as we share more from this special program over the next year. We are thrilled to be able to offer an inclusive space where people with and without disabilities learn side by side, proving that everyone can be a leader and use their voice for good.

The Ambassador Academy is open to participants with and without IDD who are 14 or older, family members, volunteers, community partners, and supporters who want to grow their leadership. Please email Minnesota@bestbuddies.org if you’re interested in learning more about the program, volunteering during the monthly sessions, or joining our waiting list for the 2026-27 cohort.