Board Member Spotlight: Jen Seiler

Jen is the most recent volunteer to join our Board of Managers, and her outgoing personality and zest for networking have already brought connections and resources that benefit our Playhouse. When Jen is not at GiGi’s, you might find her any number of places, as she stays very active within her social circles, the local small business community, and other charity organizations. She lives in downtown Ferndale with her fiancé, Bruce, and they also share a home in Naples, Florida. She has over 25 years’ experience working as a Realtor and Mortgage Lender in metro Detroit, and is proud to be in the top 5% of all Realtors in SE Michigan! Previous to her real estate career, Jen graduated from Wayne State University with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work. While at Wayne State she completed internships supporting children with disabilities. She says that while she loves her work, her heart is in giving back and making a difference in the community. How lucky are we that Jen found GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit!

Please take a moment to get to know Jen more below…

Hi Jen, what are some of your favorite hobbies and interests?

I enjoy biking and running.

What’s a fun fact about you that might surprise us?

I ran the Athens Marathon, aka “the original marathon” in Greece.

How did you find out about GiGi’s Playhouse?

Another board member, Kathleen Tynes, was a client of mine and as we kept in touch, she mentioned her involvement with the Playhouse. I was intrigued and attended a volunteer orientation in December, 2022. I was officially voted onto the board three months later.

What is your specific role on the board?

I am involved with Community Outreach, Networking, and Events.

What inspires you about the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse?

I love everything about the mission; especially the amount of support and education GiGi’s provides for individuals with Down syndrome and the community, as well as the overall goal of inclusion. 

How has volunteering here impacted your life?

I love it. When I think of GiGi’s and the participants here, I can’t help but smile.

What would you say is the biggest misconception about individuals with Down syndrome?

I think people with DS are underestimated as to how much they can accomplish and contribute.

What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse?

I would say do it… it will change your life.

Do you have a favorite quote?

We will all have times in life when we may fail…. the important thing is to “Fail Forward”.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?

I have strong ethics and am very protective of my family, friends, and clients – both personally and professionally. 

Thank you so much, Jen, for being a team player and bringing your wealth of energy, connections, and resources to our community! We are so happy to have you!