Blog

This year's National Women's History Month theme (Providing Healing, Promoting Hope) recognizes the many ways in which women have provided healing and hope to humanity for countless generations.

I first met Karen Milligan about fifteen years ago at beginner Special Olympics Athlete Leadership training. Even though Karen is smaller in stature than a lot of us attending, I noticed right away that she had a big personality. She was warm and friendly. It was clear that she really loved Special Olympics. For years now, I’ve had many experiences alongside Karen. Her personality and her actions make me feel a part of a larger family, the Special Olympics family.

A woman in my life who has had a large impact on me.

Some people may be glad that 2021 is in the past and happily threw the December 2021 calendar page into the recycling bin. It was a year of extra challenges for everybody and divisiveness about how to meet these challenges. But all was not lost when it comes to the Inclusion Revolution movement.

As I look back on 2021, I think a big lesson for me this year was about facing CHANGE and embracing my new future. If we keep looking back, we miss out on opportunities that are before us.

What lessons did you learn in 2021 and how do you plan to implement those lessons in 2022 to make the world more inclusive?

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October), I wanted to share about the BEST resource around: Special Olympics.

I dedicate my time to develop as an athlete leader. I show up to my commitments and sport practices. Some days I don’t feel like putting in the effort, but I do it anyway because it helps me develop into a stronger athlete and a stronger leader. I am willing to put in the hard work! True leaders dedicate their energy to what they love to do.

In over a decade of participation in Special Olympics, I’ve learned many athlete leadership skills that have helped me, and any athlete, move into an inclusive workplace. In today’s blog piece I will share with you five Special Olympics Athlete Leadership skills that have prepared me for my current employment at United Airlines, which includes: public speaking and interviews, getting outside of myself, having a global perspective, taking initiative, and valuing all members of a team.

Jacob Baker and Jim Kinnard are a Special Olympics Unified pair from Idaho. In July, Jacob and Jim attended the 2018 USA Games in Seattle to participate in the Youth Leadership Experience (YLE). They were chosen for the YLE because of their leadership skills and passion for inclusion. Afterward, they wrote about their experience.