Kelsey Smith

Chapter President

 Hello everyone! My name is  Kelsey Smith and I am a senior currently majoring in Health Administration and serve as the Chapter President for Best Buddies at Florida Atlantic University. On campus I am involved with OwlThon, Student Government, National Honor Society of Leadership/Success, Elite Owl, Omicron Delta Kappa & I am a Rho Gamma for the College Panhellenic Association. I was born into a military family, having to move every three years till I was 15. I moved from Florida to Italy, to NY to California to NY to Florida and eventually will be moving back to California after Graduation. I love to travel and I have been to 6 countries including the one I lived in.

I joined Best Buddies because growing up I was picked on a lot for my disability, which is dyslexia and all throughout high school I was picked on because I was a year behind in academics. I want everyone to know, that we shouldn't be looked at for our Disabilities but rather our Abilities. My passion is to be there for one's who don't have love or friendship in their life; I will be the one who helps show them that if they strive for greatness they will be able to do what they want. Individuals with "disabilities" are some of the most amazing people I have met because of their passion for love, and their no-desire to judge one-another.  Friendship is one of the best things to have and the friends I have now I don't know where I would be if I didn't have them, and so just because someone has a "disability" doesn't mean they can't have friendships or love.  Growing up being picked on taught me that to be everyone's friend no matter what, and that I will never judge a book by its cover. I would eat lunch with whomever and made sure no one was alone and I befriended everyone no matter what. Not only that, I have family members with disabilities; my nephew Dustin who is only 9 years old has High Functioning Asperger’s, ADHD and,he also has a heart condition and hydrocephalus.

Feel free to contact me at my email anytime of the day. If you have any questions or concerns email me and I will return it as soon as I can. 

bestbuddiesfau.president@gmail.com

Dawit Rumicha

Founder

Hey everyone my name is Dawit Rumicha and I serve as the Co-Chapter President of Best Buddies FAU! I am a Senior Neuroscience/Behavior and Biology double major and Health Administration minor. Currently well I’m in debate to what I am aspiring towards but one thing is for sure is that I am pre-health. I am extremely involved on campus and serve as the Director of Multicultural Programming (MP) under the Governor’s Administrative Cabinet in Student Government. I also serve as the Chapter President for the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students/SNMA, Event Planning Chairman for HOSA: Health Occupation Students of America, an Elite Owl and Historian for the Florida Atlantic University Pre-Dental Society. I am actively involved in Greek Life serving as Philanthropy Chairman for Pi Kappa Phi within the Interfraternity Council (IFC) at FAU. On top of all of this I have a certification in student leadership from FAUs office of Leadership Education and Development. Some interesting facts about me is that I’ve been traveled out of the United States multiple times and have extensive teaching experience in multiple fields. In my free time I love working with abused/neglected animals and back home in Jacksonville I still remain actively involved at the city wide humane society.

I joined Best Buddies all the way back in high school my freshman year simply due to the way I loved the impact it made on others lives. It truly is a life changing experience that not only monumentally impacts the person you are working with but your own. This is my sixth year in Best Buddies and fourth year leading a chapter. I look forward to serving as your President and always feel free to reach out to me with any questions/concerns!

drumicha2013@fau.edu

Gabrielle Rind

Chief Financial Officer

Hi everyone my name is Gabrielle Rind. I am currently an undergraduate junior majoring in Biology and serve as Chief Financial Officer for Best Buddies FAU. I love to be involved here on campus as I am the Associate Director for Multicultural Programming (MP) in Student Government and also serve on the board of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) as the Director of Civic Engagement. My ambition is to attend Medical School upon graduating with hopes of becoming a Pediatrician.

I love to give back to the community, which is one of the main reasons that I joined Best Buddies. Being able to put a smile on so many people’s faces is a very rewarding feeling as I believe that everyone should be treated equally, regardless of any disability that they may have. Best Buddies has shown me this and I could not be happier to serve on the board of such a great organization. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me by email at any time!

grind2014@fau.edu

Hannah Moody

Co-Vice President

Hi everyone, my name is Hannah Moody! I am currently a junior at Florida Atlantic University majoring in Communications with the hope of one day earning a Masters in Non-for-profit business management. I serve as the Co-Vice President for Best Buddies and I have true passion for helping others. I have worked with many organizations outside of FAU, like Relay for Life and the United Heroes League. I grew up in North Carolina, and moved to Florida about 4 years ago.  I love sports, traveling, and volunteering; and I hope one day to form my own non-profit and make a big difference.  

I have joined Best Buddies because nothing gives me more joy than helping others and making a true impact on somebody's life.  Since I was a little girl I have always had troubles with my various tic disorders. Through some hard times in school and with friends, I have learned that one’s disability should not define who they are and what they want to be. Best Buddies gives me the opportunity to make long-lasting friendships and show others the importance of kindness.  If you have any questions, do not be afraid to ask. I am always happy to help!

hannahmoody12@gmail.com

Co-President

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