Every season we feature a person that in our book is changing the world and helping others along the way. Meet Nancy Gianni the founder of Gigi's Playhouse, Down syndrome Achievement Center.
Nancy and daughter Gigi
Nancy Gianni is the Founder and “Chief Belief Officer” of GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, and the visionary behind the organization’s launch and dramatic growth. In 2002, Nancy gave birth to her beautiful daughter, GiGi. When given the Down syndrome diagnosis, her fears coupled with the negative reactions of the medical staff made Nancy believe that her life, as she knew it, was over. She soon realized that GiGi could do the same things that her other children could do! What began as a mother’s vision to change perception has evolved into a global enterprise that is spreading an international message of acceptance for all.
This is a must watching SEASON FINALE that will you wanting to make your mark in this world! Chicagoland, tune in Monday November 13th at 6:30 on Lakeshore PBS and Thursday the 16th on WQPT, PBS The Quad Cities at 7:30 PM. CLICK HERE to get caught up on this season of our show.
“Typically when a business works as hard as we do, you grow your profits. That is why you go in into business! Well, GiGi’s growth is extraordinary but our profits are not measured in dollars but in the lives we are changing every day. I know our model of free educational and therapeutic programming would not fit into any Fortune 500 CEO’s business plan! But you know who wins in this plan? The kids and the world!” ~ Nancy Gianni