Best Buddies Florida State Director - Kelly Wagner
Kelly Wagner, Best Buddies Florida State Director
Background
I had the great opportunity to begin my non-profit career with the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research in Fort Wayne Indiana. From there, I joined the American Heart Association first in Orlando Florida and then in Palm Springs California as the Executive Director for the Palm Desert area. I then accepted a position with the Arthritis Foundation in the Pacific Region where, most recently, as a Regional Vice President, I oversaw the branches throughout California, Nevada and Hawaii.
Why did you choose Best Buddies for employment?
When my family and I decided that we wanted to relocate back to Florida, it was important to me to continue my career with an organization that was making a difference in the lives of people in the community they were serving. As a mother with three daughters, education, quality of life and the relationships we all have is extremely important.
The mission that Anthony Kennedy Shriver brought to life in 1989 with the idea and vision to make a difference in the lives of people through friendship and mentorship has grown with Best Buddies. To have the opportunity to work with an organization that is positively changing the lives of students and adults by promoting friendship and fostering mentorship is an honor.
What does friendship mean to you?
True friendship is a relationship that brings out the best in both people. That is what Best Buddies does, it brings out the best in all people.
What are your goals for your state this year?
To promote and grow the awareness of Best Buddies in our state. We have one of the top mentoring and leadership programs in our education system in the country and through increased visibility we can have a greater impact by fostering more one-to-one friendships, promoting integrated employment and providing leadership development for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
