The following is an excerpt from the article titled Young Change Makers: Why and How Mackenzie Beauvais-Nikl Is Helping To Change Our World published by Authority Magazine.
Knowing I was the first Special Olympics athlete to serve in the role of Board Chair was overwhelming. I received a lot of recognition for being in this new role before I really started in the role itself, which felt like a lot of pressure.
Once John Shukie, my Unified Board Chair, and I started digging in, I quickly saw where I could make real changes that positively impacts my fellow athletes and people with disabilities. Everything from providing feedback on health programming, to how our website looks to what we should offer at competitions to ensure a great experience for athletes.
I know the decisions I make and input I give impacts so many people and while it is a big responsibility, I am grateful to not only have a seat at the table, but to be leading from the head of the table.
