{"id":142023,"date":"2025-11-13T16:35:51","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T21:35:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/?p=142023"},"modified":"2025-11-13T16:35:51","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T21:35:51","slug":"growing-together-at-the-gigis-annual-leadership-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/uncategorized\/growing-together-at-the-gigis-annual-leadership-conference","title":{"rendered":"Growing Together at the GiGi\u2019s Annual Leadership Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our staff and board members from GiGi&#8217;s Playhouse Atlanta recently attended the GiGi\u2019s Annual Leadership Conference, joining Playhouses from across the country for an inspiring weekend of learning, connection, and celebration. From sessions on future planning and inclusion to powerful keynote messages and a legendary dance party, our team came home energized and full of ideas!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/11\/group-resized-3.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/11\/group-resized-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142030\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/11\/group-resized-3.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/11\/group-resized-3-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Amelia, Program Coordinator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMy favorite session was the one about future planning for adults with Down syndrome. It really highlighted the importance of living trusts and making choices that keep things simple and empowering for the adult with a disability. The speaker will actually be in Atlanta this March, so I\u2019ve reached out to see if she might share her presentation with our families!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Amelia also shared that her sister Katherine\u2019s favorite session was the STEM Lab, where she made a lava lamp and later explained density to her dad during their car ride from Schaumburg to Champaign\u2014talk about learning in action!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dani, Volunteer Coordinator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMy favorite sessions were those given by Katie Frank from The Down Syndrome Institute in Chicago about supporting positive behavior and sensory processing strategies. I learned how important it is to address behavior challenges early and consistently, and that there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all approach\u2014but the right interventions really do work for our community.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dani is diving deeper into these topics through a recommended book that\u2019s helping her better understand how our population\u2019s brains work and how behavior can often be misinterpreted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Elisha, Self-Advocate Board Member<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI loved the sessions on marketing and social media\u2014but most of all, I loved being with my peers! The dance party felt like being in a club, and it was so much fun talking with people from other Playhouses and celebrating when we received awards for Atlanta!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her enthusiasm and joy perfectly capture the spirit of GiGi\u2019s Playhouse, learning, connecting, and celebrating together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Andi, Board Member &amp; GiGiFIT Program Lead<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMy favorite session was Expanding Inclusion: The Gen G Approach in Schools. We learned how local Playhouses can partner with school districts to promote inclusion and how to advocate for our own children in the classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This session reinforced how powerful collaboration between families, schools, and Playhouses can be in creating more inclusive communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jacqueline &amp; Richard, Elisha&#8217;s Parents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOur main takeaways revolve around the heartfelt passion and laser focus displayed by every Playhouse. Whether open for years or just launching, everyone we met shared awe-inspiring stories rooted in the same unwavering mission.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They highlighted three themes that stood out throughout the conference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Power of Passion:<\/strong> Every conversation reflected the deep love and dedication behind each Playhouse\u2019s work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Three Pillars of Purpose:<\/strong> Educate. Inspire. Believe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategic Insights:<\/strong> Sessions on tools like Hootsuite and marketing reinforced the intentionality behind GiGi\u2019s Playhouse\u2019s national strategy and impact.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They also shared how proud they were to see Sheryl Arno and Howie lead a session demonstrating the strong partnership between GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Atlanta and the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta (DSAA)\u2014a shining example of collaboration in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Miles, Board President<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miles was inspired by the keynote speaker, Kennith Allen Thomas, and shared some powerful takeaways that resonated deeply with all of us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Not in control but are in charge<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Use your gift to make the shift<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Leadership starts with heart posture, not position<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>When life shakes you, it\u2019s not punishment\u2014it\u2019s preparation<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Grace comes before correction<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Resilience is not about bouncing back\u2014it\u2019s about breakthrough<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He also enjoyed sessions on board stewardship and formal planning, emphasizing the importance of intentional leadership and long-term sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Celebrating at the Awards Banquet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The conference concluded with a night to remember at the <strong>Saturday Awards Banquet<\/strong>, where our Atlanta team was recognized for excellence and impact!<br>We were honored to receive the <strong>SOE Champion Award<\/strong> for achieving <em>three Center of Excellence Awards<\/em> and <em>three Strong Awards<\/em> in our Standards of Execution\u2014an incredible testament to our team\u2019s commitment to quality and consistency across all areas of operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We were also humbled to receive the <strong>Community Impact Award<\/strong>, celebrating the meaningful difference GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Atlanta continues to make through programs, partnerships, and advocacy in our local community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These recognitions belong to everyone who supports our Playhouse\u2014our participants, families, volunteers, donors, and partners\u2014thank you for helping us make this impact possible!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/11\/Elisha-soes-resized-2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/11\/Elisha-soes-resized-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142029\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/11\/Elisha-soes-resized-2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/11\/Elisha-soes-resized-2-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From practical tools to heartfelt inspiration, our team left Chicago united by a renewed sense of purpose and community. We\u2019re excited to bring back new ideas, resources, and connections to strengthen our programs and continue empowering individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Together, we are truly <a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/generationg-community-page\/#pledge\">#GenerationG<\/a>: accepting, generous, and kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our staff and board members from GiGi&#8217;s Playhouse Atlanta recently attended the GiGi\u2019s Annual Leadership Conference, joining Playhouses from across the country for an inspiring weekend of learning, connection, and celebration. From sessions on future planning and inclusion to powerful keynote messages and a legendary dance party, our team came home energized and full of&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1619,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-142023","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142023","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1619"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=142023"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142023\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=142023"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=142023"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=142023"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}