Shane is a freshman at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Virginia. As a State and Global Ambassador for Best Buddies, he is passionate about making the world a more inclusive place for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Best Buddies mission resonates closely with Shane’s personal life experiences. After visiting many doctors, Shane’s little brother, Lucas, was diagnosed with Autism. At the beginning of Shane’s freshman year of high school, Lucas got sick, and from there, everything changed. His behavior became much more aggressive and constant, making him harder to handle at home and in school.

It was during this challenging time when Shane discovered Best Buddies. Shane quickly got involved in unified sports and Best Buddies at Franklin High School in Franklin, Massachusetts. He vividly remembers the warm welcomes and genuine kindness chapter members showed him at his first Best Buddies meeting. After that experience, Shane fully jumped in and took a leadership position on his school’s Best Buddies executive board.

Shane’s hard work paid off when he was elected Chapter President and got to attend Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC). This experience allowed him to meet and build lasting connections with other leaders who were changing their school communities. At BBLC, he was selected to speak to an international audience about his powerful firsthand experiences as someone who has a family member with IDD.

This honor launched his passion for public speaking, and he then delivered another impactful speech at the Virginia and DC Homecoming: Two Parties One Purpose Gala. The audience loved Shane’s story, and Best Buddies State Advisory Board members invited him to speak at their next meeting.

As a Special Education major at JMU, Shane’s goal is to continue paving the way for a more inclusive world through Best Buddies and beyond. He believes that every individual deserves the chance to be great, to hold a job, and most importantly, have their voice be heard.

In 2025, Shane and his fellow Virginia & DC State Ambassador Zara were selected at a Best Buddies Global Ambassadors!

“Being a Best Buddies Global Ambassador means the world to me, as an older brother of someone with IDD. Being a Best Buddies Global Ambassador allows me to share and connect with families and advocates like myself all around the world. It is such an honor to represent an organization at its highest that has truly changed my life along with so many others.”

Best Buddies has helped Shane grow as a better leader, friend, and sibling, and we look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.