Other Local Branches of Best Buddies
Best Buddies is an international nonprofit organization committed to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Everyone deserves friendship. Disability or not, we all want companionship and acceptance from our peers and Best Buddies works to bridge this gap and eliminate hurtful stereotypes. Best Buddies empowers people with IDD to be contributing members of society by providing opportunities and support in order to secure rewarding jobs, live independently, become inspirational leaders, make lifelong friendships.
In the past, individuals with IDD have not had the opportunity to have friends outside of their own environment. The Best Buddies chapter at Florida Atlantic University is committed to finding true friendships for everyone! Best Buddies at FAU matches people with IDD in one-to-one friendships with college students. By becoming a College Buddy, you will offer a Buddy the chance to explore a new way of life.
Campus Affiliation: Boca Raton Campus
Year organization was founded at FAU: 2013
Get to Know Our Team
President
Katie Lile
Our Sponsers
Pi Kappa Phi
Alpha Delta Pi
FAU Owlthon
Jupiter Middle School
Vero Beach High school
Lynn University
Dwyer High school
FT Pierce High school
Palm Beach Gardens
The Benjamin (upper) school
Jensen Beach High school
Founder
Dawit Rumicha
Hey everyone my name is Dawit Rumicha and I serve as the Co-Chapter President of Best Buddies FAU! I am a Senior Neuroscience/Behavior and Biology double major and Health Administration minor. Currently well I’m in debate to what I am aspiring towards but one thing is for sure is that I am pre-health. I am extremely involved on campus and serve as the Director of Multicultural Programming (MP) under the Governor’s Administrative Cabinet in Student Government. I also serve as the Chapter President for the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students/SNMA, Event Planning Chairman for HOSA: Health Occupation Students of America, an Elite Owl and Historian for the Florida Atlantic University Pre-Dental Society. I am actively involved in Greek Life serving as Philanthropy Chairman for Pi Kappa Phi within the Interfraternity Council (IFC) at FAU. On top of all of this I have a certification in student leadership from FAUs office of Leadership Education and Development.
I joined Best Buddies all the way back in high school my freshman year simply due to the way I loved the impact it made on others lives. It truly is a life changing experience that not only monumentally impacts the person you are working with but your own. This is my sixth year in Best Buddies and fourth year leading a chapter. I look forward to serving as your President and always feel free to reach out to me with any questions/concerns!
Hi everyone, my name is Hannah Moody! I am currently a Senior at Florida Atlantic University majoring in Communications with the hope of one day earning a Masters in Non-profit business management. I serve as the Vice President for Best Buddies and I have a true passion for helping others. I also am an active sister of Theta Phi Alpha at FAU and currently serve as an assistant to our Philanthropy chair. I have worked with many organizations outside of FAU, like Relay for Life and the United Heroes League. I grew up in North Carolina and moved to Florida about 4 years ago. I love sports, traveling, and volunteering; and I hope one day to form my own non-profit and make a big difference.
I have joined Best Buddies because nothing gives me more joy than helping others and making a true impact on somebody's life. Everyone deserves a chance to express themselves, and one's disability should not define one's abilities. We should all embrace equality and kindness. I am so proud and honored to be a part of Best Buddies! If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me with my email above.
ABOUT US
President Biography is soon to come!
Vice President
Hannah Moody