Intern Highlight for World Down Syndrome Day

By Marissa Iacullo, OTS 

Hello GiGi’s Families!

World Down Syndrome Day is on Monday, March 21st, and we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to highlight the amazing spring interns at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago. These interns are hard working, creative, enthusiastic, and leaders at the Playhouse. They are representative of how important it is to advocate for inclusion and acceptance for those with Down syndrome.

Meet Emily Kwidzinski, the Administrative & Event Planning Intern

My dream job is Rock Band Drummer.

My favorite thing about GiGi’s is having my Birthday Party here, Teen Tastic, EPIC, Cooking and Dance. I want to do Fantastic Friends with Quincy and Colleen On Zoom.

My favorite part about being an intern is to work in the office and plan Happy Down Syndrome Day and Valentine’s day

Down syndrome means to me working at Lou Malnati’s, Downtown Dinner, Cooking Club, Elizabeth with Colleen and Sandia.

Meet Brenda, the Communications & Programming Intern

My dream job is to work and get paid at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago. 

My favorite thing about GiGi’s is to work, talk with others, and do yoga and dance. GiGi’s makes me happy.

My favorite part about being an intern is… to work with the other students and interns. I like to organize and lead journal  group. 

Down syndrome makes me feel happy, nice, and funny. 

Meet Lucy Mal Walsh, the Communications & Advocacy Intern

My dream job is to sing on Broadway and Hollywood.

My favorite things about GiGi’s are acting on the Shakespeare stage, spending time with my friends, and Teen Tastic.

My favorite part about being an intern is writing a blog, learning job skills, spending time with my friends, Teen Tastic, or writing my biography. 

Down syndrome means to me being accepted and being heard. Down syndrome means that I am proud of all my abilities.

Meet Colleen Rose Altman, the Communications & Outreach Intern

My dream job is music, art, helping kids at GiGi’s, and being a yoga instructor.

My favorite things about GiGi’s are internship, Literacy, art explosion, and Teen Tastic. I like being with my friends and GiGi’s Dance-A-Thon. 

My favorite part about being an intern is being with Marissa and doing working and break activities with her.

Down syndrome means to me showing kindness and love. I’m a hard worker, I’m smart, and I’m awesome.

Meet Diego, the Facilities & Programming Intern

My dream job is to be a pilot. I want to fly airplanes. 

My favorite thing about GiGi’s is my friends, cooking club and  work.

My favorite part about being an intern is that it makes me happy.

Down syndrome makes me feel happy surprised and excited.

Meet Ronald, the Outreach & Facilities Intern

My dream job is to be a chef at Popeyes. 

My favorite thing about GiGi’s is listening to music and dancing on the stage.

My favorite part about being an intern is doing arts & crafts, organizing, and sorting.

Down syndrome makes me feel good and happy.