176. The Ripple Effect (ft. Nancy & GiGi Gianni)

GiGi Gianni is 20 years old. She enjoys singing, dancing, and spending time with her boyfriend. Oh and one more thing, she inspired a global movement! Today we’re talking about THE GiGi behind GiGi’s Playhouse - a network of Down syndrome centers in over 82 countries that offers free programming for individuals with DS across the lifespan. We’re so thankful to have Nancy Gianni (founder of GP) & her daughter GiGi on the show to chat about the evolution of GiGi’s Playhouse over the last 20 years (and how Covid changed everything). Plus, Nancy is sharing some beautiful stories about how she “coincidentally” began advocating for Down syndrome before she ever received GiGi’s diagnosis. There’s something we can’t describe that lives in that extra chromosome, and it creates a ripple of effect that empowers all of us to be more loving, open, and gracious with each other. Enjoy the episode, friends! And search for a GiGi’s Playhouse near you!