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Community Advocacy

Our inclusive allies in sports, government, entertainment, business and other areas dedicate their time and resources to support Special Olympics.

  • Inclusion Ambassadors
  • Government
  • Young Professionals Advisory Committee

Inclusion Ambassadors 

Inclusion Ambassadors are public figures in sports, entertainment, fitness and news who help raise awareness for Special Olympics Northern California. Inclusion Ambassadors have the opportunity to change
lives – both by spotlighting the abilities and gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, and by setting an example of inclusivity for everyone to follow.

As icons of success from diverse industries, Inclusion Ambassadors generously lend their name, time and resources to bring a heightened awareness to the mission. Learn more about becoming an Inclusion Ambassador by emailing marketing@sonc.org.

Inclusion Ambassador Spotlight

JT MARCINKOWSKI

Goalkeeper, San Jose Earthquakes

Born and raised in the Bay Area, JT is now the goalkeeper for the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS. JT has been a supporter of Special Olympics Northern California for four years, volunteering his time at special events, cheering on athletes at competitions, and welcoming athletes on the field at the Earthquakes home stadium. JT became a board member for Special Olympics Northern California in 2023.

JT Marcinkowski holding a Special Olympics shirt with Special Olympics athlete Lindsay

Champions in Government 

Special Olympics is a bipartisan nonprofit organization and we are grateful to receive support from national, state, county and local government offices. For more information and to get your local office involved, please contact governmentrelations@sonc.org.

Federal Funding

Special Olympics receives federal funding for programs in schools and health throughout the country. In NorCal, this funding helps to elevate our Schools Partnership Program and Health & Wellness Program. Every year, athlete ambassadors from every state travel to Washington D.C. to meet with legislators and demonstrate the impact of these programs. 

Special Olympics athletes and staff stand in front of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.

State of California Support

Special Olympics Northern California and Special Olympics Southern California were awarded multi-year funding in the State’s 2022–2023 budget.

Led by Governor Gavin Newsom and State Assemblymembers Anthony Rendon and Tim Grayson, this funding gives our program the resources it needs to expand our reach and attract new participants. Our Athlete Leaders meet with legislators at the State Capitol every year to thank them, share the impacts of Special Olympics, and form meaningful bonds.

A group of Special Olympics athletes, staff, and government officials stands with a bear statue at the State Capitol building.

County & Local Impacts

While Special Olympics is a global organization, our real impacts are felt in local communities. We are proud to receive support from numerous counties, cities and community organizations that help empower children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 

Santa Clara County, led by Board of Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, continues to show its dedication with seven years of funding of our programming. We’re proud to have hosted the last two Summer Games in Santa Clara County thanks to the local support!

Supervisor Susan Ellenberg holds an award and stands with Special Olympics athletes and staff

Young Professionals Advisory Committee 

The Young Professionals Advisory Committee (YPAC) is an inclusive group of young professionals and emerging leaders, with and without disabilities, who work together to advocate for Special Olympics Northern California in our local communities.

Apply to join YPAC or learn more by contacting ypac-sonc-contact-us@googlegroups.com

Adrienne Voltaggio
Chair
Visa
Marketing Director
Linkedin-in
Nicholas George Clothier
Vice Chair
Linkedin-in
Ariel Ryan
Development Chair
RRA
Project Manager
Linkedin-in
Gabriella Custodio
Social Chair
KPMG
Associate, Community Impact
Linkedin-in
Maddie Batchelder
Cloudmed
Senior Consultant
Linkedin-in
Alexandra Burbey
G Squared
Venture Capital Investor
Linkedin-in
Ryan Butterly
Special Olympics
Athlete
Lauren Clarke
Stanford University School of Medicine
Medical Student
Linkedin-in
Giedrius Daubaris
Flow Inc.
Chief of Staff
Linkedin-in
Travis Downs
Owlery (Tech Startup)
Cofounder
Linkedin-in
Kelsey Dunn
JFrog
Senior Manager of Events
Linkedin-in
Laluna Goodale
Hippo Home Insurance
Business Operations Associate
Linkedin-in
Glynnis Houston
American University
Student
Linkedin-in
Courtney Jack
Intralinks
Account Executive
Linkedin-in
Luke McClain
Rhombus
Sales Development Representative
Linkedin-in
Evan Milburn
Special Olympics
Athlete
Linkedin-in
Emily Mungul
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula
Community Engagement & Development Associate
Linkedin-in
Binisha Patel
Stanford University School of Medicine
Medical Student
Linkedin-in
Ryan Ringelstein
Raise Commercial Real Estate
Real Estate Advisor
Linkedin-in
Emma Samson
Insight Global
National Account Coordinator II
Linkedin-in
Camille Schmidt
Philo
Communications Director
Linkedin-in
Brenna Schroer-Lundeen
Bank of the West
Business Intelligence Manager
Linkedin-in
Samantha Steeman
Stanford University School of Medicine
Medical Student
Linkedin-in
Scott Wall
ATEL Capital Group
Director, Institutional Client Relations
Linkedin-in
Andy Wang
Rich Products Ventures
Venture Capital Investor
Linkedin-in

    Have Questions?

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