Inspired by Friendship: Lizette Baumann's Journey with Best Buddies

Lizette Baumann (formerly Barnes) joined the Best Buddies Indiana staff in 2005, first as a high school program manager and eventually serving as the program supervisor. Although, she has moved onto other adventures, her love and support for Best Buddies remains steadfast and she has forever been inspired by the power of friendship!

How did you become involved with Best Buddies?
I was interested in working for a non-profit and I was already aware of Best Buddies as my parents had formerly served as board members for the BBIN advisory board. I was working for a communications and event planning company shortly after college and felt that I wanted to work in a career that truly made a difference. I met with Sarah Baldini, State Director,  regarding a new high school program manager position that would expand the BBIN office to reaching more than 20 new high schools and realized that I had a unique opportunity to work for an organization that could impact so many peoples lives through the power of friendship. I was hooked!

What is your favorite Best Buddies memory?

Lizette and Katie Meade at LC

Throughout the years that I worked at Best Buddies there were so many memories. I attended several international events including Best Buddies challenges on both sides of the country and spent 2-3 weeks every summer at Indiana University for the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference. Leadership Conference was always the pivotal moment for every chapter leader from each high school or college. It was the time, as a staff member for Best Buddies, when you saw how inspired and motivated each chapter president was to make their chapter the best and to create lasting true friendships for people with and without intellectual disabilities. The week focused not on who had a disability or who was from what state, but instead it created a culture of acceptance and encouragement for the chapter presidents. During the closing ceremonies of every Leadership Conference I attended, students and staff left each year inspired to become better people and to create a more accepting culture at their school. 

What are you doing today?
While working with so many educators through BBIN, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career as a school counselor. After leaving BBIN in 2008, I completed my Master's degree in School Counciling at Butler University. I now work as a middle school counselor and carry the themes and ideas from Best Buddies with me daily. My experience at Best Buddies shaped how I view the impact of friendship and how people with and without disabilities can work together to make the world a better place. As I see my students in their daily highs and lows, I am constantly reminded what an impact a single person can have on another person's life. A friendship created through Best Buddies is one such example. 

What is ONE word that makes you think of Best Buddies?
Friendship. It is the premise of Best Buddies and essential to life.