At Good Circle Marketing, we believe in doing good work—and that includes mentoring the next generation of marketing professionals. Our internship program gives high school seniors hands-on experience working with real businesses and nonprofits, helping them develop skills that will serve them well in college and beyond. It’s a win for them, a win for the organizations they support, and a win for me because I get to teach and watch them grow.
This year, Emma Lafferty was one of our interns, and she chose a nonprofit that holds a special place in her heart: the Special Olympics of Sumner County.
A Heart for Inclusion
Emma isn’t new to serving the special needs community. She’s been a peer buddy since middle school and has always had a heart for inclusion. “These kids have so much more to offer than what’s on the outside,” she said. “They’re special, amazing, and fun if you take the time to get to know them.”
When it came time to choose a nonprofit for her internship project, she knew right away that she wanted to work with Special Olympics. And the impact of her work extended beyond marketing—she found herself even more committed to staying involved long after her internship ends.
The Special Olympics: More Than a Game
Many people know Special Olympics as an international movement, but what they might not realize is that each community runs its own local programs, often entirely volunteer-led. Kim Ledford, director of Special Olympics Sumner County, has been involved in the organization for nearly 30 years, first as a parent of a special needs child and then as a leader dedicated to creating opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
“We provide a home—a place where these athletes feel like they fit,” Kim explained. “It’s about more than sports. It’s about acceptance, inclusion, and giving them a chance to compete and shine.”
From local competitions to national and even international events, these athletes train, qualify, and advance just like any other sports program. “For them, getting a ribbon at an event is their Olympics,” Kim said. “It’s their time to shine.”
Learning and Growing Through Service
One of the biggest takeaways from Emma’s internship was learning how to harness AI for marketing. “I thought AI was just for writing essays,” she admitted. “But now, I see how it can be used to create strategies, generate ideas, and make marketing more efficient.”
She also gained a deeper appreciation for the power of volunteering. “I didn’t realize that the Sumner County Special Olympics was completely volunteer-based,” she said. “After this internship, I want to keep working with Kim and Special Olympics. Everyone deserves a place to belong.”
The Power of Unified Sports
One of the most exciting aspects of Special Olympics is Unified Sports, where athletes with and without disabilities play together on the same team. This initiative builds friendships, fosters understanding, and creates a sense of true inclusion. From bowling leagues to competitive basketball, Unified Sports allows athletes to compete at every level—from local games to the USA Games and even the international stage.
Speaking of big stages, Nashville is currently bidding to host the 2030 USA Games—a move that could triple the number of Tennessee athletes who get to compete at a national level.
How You Can Get Involved
Special Olympics isn’t just about the athletes—it’s about the entire community coming together. They need coaches, Unified Sports partners, event volunteers, and supporters who believe in the mission of inclusion.
If you’ve ever considered volunteering, now is the time.
Emma’s internship is proof that when we pour into our community, we make an impact that lasts far beyond a single season. And for those who get involved with Special Olympics, that impact goes both ways.
Because when you give your time, your energy, and your heart to a cause like this, you don’t just change someone else’s life—you change your own.
Want to support Special Olympics Sumner County? Reach out, volunteer, or simply show up to cheer on these incredible athletes. Because everyone deserves their moment to shine.