Sargent Shriver Global Messengers 2018 – 2023

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.

For the ninth consecutive year Special Olympics capitalized on the environment as a massive storytelling platform for the movement despite a shift primarily to a virtual setting.

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

Emanuelle Dutra Fernandes de Souza, better known as “Manu,” is a 24-year-old Special Olympics Brazil athlete who embodies the spirit of inclusion.

Special Olympics corporate sponsor, United Airlines, has hired Special Olympics athletes in Denver as part of their team.

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.