In this episode, I sit down with Meredith Otness and Edie Mayan, the co-founders of The Beehive Foundation, a teen-led organization creating community and inclusion for teens with special needs. We talk about how The Beehive started, what inspired them to co-found it, and why inclusion and understanding matter so much, especially in high school. We also talk about Meredith's blog Share the Rare, inspired by her brother John, which highlights kids living with ultra-rare genetic disorders and shares their stories beyond a diagnosis. Meredith and Edie explain why storytelling is such a powerful way to change perspectives and help people truly see others for who they are. This conversation is such a reminder that everyone has a story worth knowing, and that teens can create real change when they choose empathy, curiosity, and kindness.
Learn more about The Beehive Foundation here: https://www.thebeehivehtx.org
Read and support Share the Rare here: https://www.thebeehivehtx.org/share-the-rare
The Beehive- Memorial Buzz Article here: https://thebuzzmagazines.com/articles/2025/07/buzz-about-beehive
If you’re looking for ways to be more inclusive or want to support something meaningful created by teens, this episode is for you!
Beehive Instagram: @the.beehive.htx
My Instagram: @claireinachairpodcast
My Website: https://sites.google.com/view/claireinachair/episode-78
Youtube episodes available on youtube @claire in a chair podcast
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