Ross County’s Kara Brown wins top honor with grassroots advocacy group
Kaitlyn and Kara Brown are pictured. (Submitted photos)
Kara Brown, local co-facilitator for Ross County Sibshops and advocate for people with developmental disabilities (DD), has been named the 2025 Tom Fish Sibling of the Year at the annual Ohio Sibs Gala.
Brown’s work within the local DD community began through her advocacy for her sister, Kaitlyn, a Ross County Special Olympics athlete with numerous personal achievements. Brown serves as a co-facilitator for the Ross County SibShops group for ages 7–12 alongside Kate Teter and Kristen Smith, and she is the sole facilitator for the Ross County Teen Sibs program. She was also the first to launch the Teen Sibs Photovoice Project in Ohio.
Kristen Smith, co-facilitator of Ross County SibShops, nominated Brown for the award.
“I was honored to nominate Kara Brown for the Tom Fish Sibling of the Year Award, and she was selected,” Smith said. “Kara's dedication to her sister Kaitlyn, her advocacy, and her leadership within our Ross County Sibs truly embody the spirit of this award.”
Ross County SibShops is a countywide program for the siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities. The groups provide a place for siblings to share their experiences, build friendships, and learn how to be strong advocates for their brothers and sisters.
“Kara has been her sister’s biggest advocate from the start,” said Amy Beeler, superintendent of the Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities (RCBDD). “It is inspiring to see a young woman so passionate about the DD community and so committed to helping other siblings with similar experiences. And the fact that she is doing all of this while attending college is remarkable. This award reflects her dedication to the community and to other siblings like her.”
Brown received the award this past weekend at the Ohio Sibs Annual Gala, hosted by the Ohio Sibs grassroots advocacy organization. The Tom Fish Sibling of the Year Award recognizes siblings whose hard work and unwavering commitment strengthen outcomes for their family members with disabilities and whose contributions benefit the broader sibling community. By celebrating these individuals, the award encourages others to embrace their stories and advocate for positive change.
The 2025 Ohio Sibs Annual Gala and fundraiser was held Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Columbus Zoo’s Africa Event Center. The gala’s theme was “The Magic of Siblings.”
The Pioneer Center, otherwise known as Ross County Board of DD (RCBDD), exists for the purpose of improving the quality of life for citizens who have a developmental disability. RCBDD is committed to providing quality services that give individuals and their families choices that enhance community participation and achieve a life of increasing capabilities.
