Ep98: Project UNIFY with Andrea Cahn and Isabella Smith

The Yvonne Pierre Show welcomes Andrea L. Cahn and Isabella (Bella) Smith.  

Andrea L. Cahn is the Senior Director of Special Olympics Project UNIFY.   Andrea has been with Special Olympics for the past 24 years.  As the inaugural Director she was responsible for the launch five years ago of this major partnership with the U.S. Department of Education to promote inclusion by creating model schools of acceptance through the innovative implementation of existing and new Special Olympics sports and education programs. The program has grown to a multi-million program currently in 45 states and 2,310 schools and reaching 1.7 million students with messages and activities that promote inclusive youth leadership and social inclusion.  Andrea holds a degree in special education, and has worked as a volunteer with children with intellectual disabilities since she was an adolescent.  

Isabella Smith is a 16 years old Special Olympics Athlete who represents North Carolina.  She has been involved with Special Olympics for almost 16 years.  Isabella first got involved through her brother who is a Special Olympics athlete.  She became an athlete when she turned 8 years old. In 2012, Isabella was selected to be a Global Messenger and State Youth Activation Council member. As a National YAC member, she hopes to increase the knowledge of and participation in Project UNIFY. She wants to help people become more aware of Special Olympics and all of the projects involved with it. Her favorite part of Project Unify is being able to volunteer, give speeches, and work hand in hand with a bunch of wonderful people who are passionate about it, just as she is.