“Keep reaching for the brightest stars every single day and never ever give up!”

Recently, we connected with Misha Keller to learn more about her leadership journey with Best Buddies.

What was your life like before becoming involved with Best Buddies and what program(s) are you now a part of?

I first joined the Best Buddies University of Dayton (UD) chapter in 2019, nearly seven years ago. My life before being involved in Best Buddies…I was having both mixed feelings about making new friends because it’s hard and feeling a lot more isolated from other people my age. I’m now a part of the Best Buddies at the University of Dayton chapter and also a Best Buddies Ambassador Academy for the state of Ohio. Now a key member of the friendship chapter in Dayton, I’m thriving and loving life.

Who or what led you to become a self-advocate in Best Buddies, and what do you hope to accomplish, either in your chapter or through self-advocacy?

I myself was the one that led to becoming a self-advocate because I wanted to push myself and I wanted to make a very special, positive difference in people’s lives. I wanted to show the world what we can all do to support one another by sharing positive advice everyday. My two goals for this: help expand the UD chapter to reach more and more participants and help to promote it to have the greatest reach.

How has your life changed since joining Best Buddies?

My life has changed a lot since joining Best Buddies. It has been a very inspiring, positive and remarkable happy experience. I am making more friends everyday and attending monthly events at UD as well as mini-events. I also attend ambassador trainings and the Best Buddies Leadership Conference to learn new skills to advocate for awareness and inclusion.

Misha’s message is all about positivity and perseverance, “never let your disability define who you really are. Believe in yourself and all that you can accomplish. Keep reaching for the brightest stars every single day and never ever give up!”

Through Best Buddies, Misha has discovered her voice, her confidence, and belonging. Misha’s journey is a powerful reminder of how inclusion, friendship, and self-belief can unlock confidence, proving to people what’s truly possible.