We are Georgia Tech Best Buddies.
A student-run organization that aims to foster one-on-one friendships and creative environments for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
About Us
Our Story
Best Buddies was founded in the Spring of 2013 by a group of four outgoing Georgia Tech students- Marnie Williams, Gina Holden, Ben Murray, and Chris Hoag. They each shared a passion for integrated friendships and communities, specifically focused on disabilities. Realizing that young adults with disablities were given a limited number of options after high school, they started brainstorming how they could bring people together to re-ignite friendships and provide a social outlet for young adults with disabilities who may not have opportunities to interact with peers of the same age. Starting Best Buddies was quite a process - they wanted to make sure that the organization had a clear purpose and that involvement would be meaningful for each person involved. The first event was a huge success with a greater turnout than expected and positive responses received. They saw that success as affirmation that there was a clearly defined need for increasing social interactions, and Best Buddies had officially started.
Our Mission
Our mission as Georgia Tech Best Buddies is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to reach their fullest potential. We are dedicated to supporting and interacting with those who need it most. We strive to make the community a better place through integrated communities and inclusive actions. We actively seek to create friendships between people with and without IDD. As friends and mentors, our goal is to enhance the lives of our buddies and develop them into strong, independent people.
Kristina Brewster
Atlanta, GA
"I will always love the Georgia Tech best buddies program and I always make new friends with the students there and they will be part of my life and I always make new friends with other disabilities that I see around there. My favorite part of the GT Best Buddies program is that we go to places that we hang out together on Sunday afternoons that they pick and I always support them because I like those places too and what they do on-campus too."
Featured In...
Read about us in the Technique, Georgia Tech's student-run newspaper!
Meet The Team
Brinley Wilson
President
I have been a member of Best Buddies since Sophomore year and I am so excited to continue serving on Exec for my final year. I have lived in Georgia most of my life, so I love the hustle and bustle of the city as well as the quaint uniqueness of my hometown Roswell. Some of my favorite things are road trips, searching for the best restaurants around, and being outdoors! I am currently pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering and will graduate this spring ’19.
Caitlin Yang
VP Finance
This year, I am the Vice President of Finance, and I am so happy that I get to serve on the Executive Board for Best Buddies this year. I have been involved with Best Buddies for 3 years, and I am from Norcross, GA. Also, I am a Computer Science major with the plan of graduating in May 2021. Some things that I like to do in my free time are hiking, exploring new coffee shops in the area, and watching movies.
Yeseul Heo
Vice President of Membership Engagement
This is my second year working with Best Buddies and my first year serving on the Executive Board. I am from Canton, GA, and I am a third year currently majoring in Neuroscience and International Affairs. I enjoy backpacking around the world, trying new food, and learning new languages!
Kusona Fortingo
VP Public Relations
This year I am super excited to take on the new role of Vice President of Public Relations for Best Buddies. This is my second year working with Best Buddies. I am a Neuroscience Major from Lawrenceville, Georgia pursuing a minor in Spanish with the plan of graduating in May 2021. I love baking, hanging out with friends and being active.
Upcoming Events
First Meeting
01/28/19
First General Body Meeting @ 6pm in Skiles 270
GT Night at the Aquarium
02/14/19
Come out with Best Buddies for a Night of Fun In the Aquarium @6PM.
The Georgia Aquarium will be open exclusively to Georgia Tech students, faculty, staff and guests on Valentine's Day, Thursday, February 14th from 6:00pm - 11:00pm.
This year, the Aquarium will show a 4-D movie every thirty minutes and a Dolphin Show at 7:30pm. Both are included with Ticket purchase, however, there is limited capacity for the Dolphin Show, and admittance will be on a first-come first-serve basis.
Campus Kitchen Voluteer Event
03/01/19
Come Volunteer with Best Buddies at our very own Brittan Dining Hall @3PM
GT Baseball Game and Tailgate
03/30/19
Enjoy and evening of Baseball and Tailgating with Best Buddies @3PM
Get Involved
Become a Member
Are you a Georgia Tech student interested in working with young adults with intellectual and developmental disablities and making an impact within the special needs community? We welcome you to join our team!
Become a Buddy
Are you a young adult between the ages of 18-25 that has an intellectual or developmental disability? Then consider beoming part of our program!
Donate
All proceeds are used to help promote Best Buddies around the Georgia Tech and Atlanta community as well as fund our monthly events for our buddies. A donation of any size is truly appreciated.
Photo Gallery
Connect With Us
Want to know more? Reach out to us and let us know what's on your mind. We will get back to you as quickly as possible.
In Friendship,
GT Best Buddies