Meet the Associate Board: Kim Osorio

This week on our Meet the Associate Board blog series, we are pleased to introduce Kim Osorio. Kim is a huge asset to GiGi’s NYC and we are so fortunate to have her as an active member of our Associate Board! We hope you enjoy the below Q&A with Kim. 

How and when did you first get involved with GiGi’s NYC? 

My best friend invited me to the 2018 GiGi’s NYC 2nd Annual Fall Fashion Show at Bloomingdale’s, knowing that it would be an event I would love. She was right! I was so impressed with the amazing participants and the organization that I had to become involved! I joined the Associate Board as Vice President of Fundraising and Events a few months later and have been involved ever since.  

Why did you decide to join the Associate Board of Directors? 

I recently moved to New York City from the West Coast and was looking for groups to connect with that share values that are important to me. The GiGi’s NYC Associate Board is an amazing group of professionals that care deeply for the Down syndrome community and work with the Board of Directors to support our mission to improve the lives of all people with Down syndrome, from birth through adulthood, by providing them with the resources they need to apply to life’s challenges and achieve. 

What do you do on the Associate Board? 

On the GiGi’s NYC Associate Board I serve as Vice President of Fundraising and Events and am a member of the Board of Directors Development Committee. I write grants requesting funding for many of our life-changing programs, which we provide at no cost to our participants and their families. I have learned so much from the leaders at GiGi’s NYC and all Associate Board members. 

What is your favorite thing about the GiGi’s NYC community? 

My favorite aspect of GiGi’s NYC is how accepting and welcoming everyone is! At each meeting and event I attend, there are smiling and happy faces excited to get together to achieve a common goal. 

What does Down syndrome awareness and acceptance look like to you? 

Down syndrome awareness and acceptance means recognizing the incredible achievements and abilities of our community. Children and adults with Down syndrome are capable of incredible achievements at every phase of life. It’s important to educate the greater community regarding their abilities. 

What from our community are you most proud of? 

I’m so proud of everything! I’m amazed at the talents, diversity, and intelligence of all our individuals with Down syndrome, and how GiGi’s NYC empowers our participants to achieve and be included in the greater community. 

Please join us in extending a HUGE thank you to Kim for her tireless work on behalf of GiGi’s NYC and the entire Down syndrome community! It is truly an honor having Kim as a member of our community.