“Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.” ~Mahatma Gandhi   I could not be more excited to have this conversation about The Special Olympics- there is SO much to the organization that we don’t know and it’s unbelievably positive! They are truly an incredible, thriving example of diversity and inclusion. Today I welcome Megan Scremin, President & CEO of Special Olympics Colorado, and Mackenzie Beauvais- Nikl, Special Olympics Colorado’s Female Athlete of the Year for 2020. Megan and Mackenzie breakdown the ALL of the opportunity with the organization of The Colorado Special Olympics. They share their personal experiences from the business/management perspective and from the leader/athlete perspective. I had no idea you could be a lifelong athlete with the Special Olympics and the incredible community the organization creates not only for the athletes, but for their families alike. The Special Olympics organization work to be as full service as possible- offering events, health screenings, other lifestyle guidance, and even social events. They run amazing fundraisers year-round, so be sure to check out one of the links below for further details. They heavily rely on the surrounding communities’ support! Do what you can, we need more organizations like this on our world, especially right now.   Megan Scremin: President & CEO of Special Olympics Colorado Megan joined the Special Olympics movement seven years ago as the Director of Events and began serving as Vice President of Development in 2014, where she successfully managed them organization’s fundraising efforts leading to a 60% increase in overall revenue, and the growth and development of several programs including Athlete Leadership. In her role, Scremin is responsible for leading a team of 40 professionals to implement Special Olympics Colorado’s programs and mission. She will oversee the development and advancement of the organization’s strategic plan to best serve individuals with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to participate, compete, grow as leaders and lead healthier lives. The New York State native earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Kentucky, Master’s Degree from Arizona State University and serves on the Board of Trustees for Emma Willard School, an independent all-girls high school in Troy, New York. Megan enjoys spending time with her husband, Marc, and children, Grayson and Maddie.   Mackenzie Beauvais- Nikl, SOCO Athlete: Mackenzie is an athlete leader with Special Olympics Colorado. She currently serves as the Chair of their state AIC (Athlete Input Council) and is a member of SOCO’s Board of Directors along with being in the government major tract in ALPs U. Mackenzie also represented SO Colorado in Abu Dhabi at the global youth summit in 2019. The sports Mackenzie participates in are soccer, basketball, track and field, softball, flag football, snowboarding, and volleyball. She has been an athlete for 12 years. Most recently, Mackenzie received the incredible honor of being selected as Special Olympics Colorado’s Female Athlete of the Year for 2020. Mackenzie came into her family by adoption at two weeks old and lived in the mountains with her mom, dad and brother until she was six when they moved to the city. Mackenzie’s interest in sports began with wanting to be like her big brother who loved sports. She had difficulty being included on her school teams but then she found Special Olympics Colorado where she was not only included but celebrated. The confidence she gained from this has translated into all aspects of her life. Photography, animals, and advocacy have also been a big part of her life. Mackenzie received a certificate in disability advocacy from Colorado Cross Disability Coalition after taking their class conducted jointly with DU. She has had two of her photographs featured in a show at the Denver Art Museum and enjoys having people see her world through