Meet the Board: Michael Brown

GiGi’s NYC is elated to spotlight Michael Brown! Michael has been on our Board of Directors for a short time yet has already made lasting impressions on the GiGi NYC community. We all hope you enjoy his responses to our Q&A:

1. When did you first get involved with GiGi’s NYC?

I first became involved with GiGi’s several months ago (Summer of 2021) and am excited to keep meeting Playhouse participants, family members, volunteers, and donors!

2. Why did you decide to join the Board of Directors?

When I began my professional career, I decided that disability advocacy and allyship would be a key component of my career after learning how underserved the community is. At AIG, I’ve had the opportunity to pursue this by serving as Co-President for our NY disabilities & Allies ERG (Employee Resource Group), in addition to my current role. After two years of working with the ERG, I found GiGi’s NYC! It was a great fit as I was looking to continue advocacy and allyship on a more personal level in my local community, outside of my firm.

3. What does GiGi’s NYC mean to you?

To me, GiGi’s NYC is a place of acceptance where all are valued and celebrated for who they are! It is a place of connection for participants, families, and allies of our community to join together in pursuit of one incredible mission.

4. What does your role on the Board look like?

My role on the Board leverages my experience of Co-President of the NY disabilities & Allies ERG at AIG. I hope to bring new ideas and energy with my corporate experience and look forward to joining various committees and supporting Playhouse initiatives throughout my time on the Board.

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

My favorite thing is this organization’s passion for the community it serves. Every individual I have met in connection with GiGi’s NYC has been dedicated to the mission of the Playhouse. I know we can continue doing great things for our amazing NYC community, and I am excited to be part of the journey, now 10 years after its founding.

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

I dream of a day where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted, understood, and valued globally without discrimination! Our community has some of the most accepting and loving individuals on the planet, and I hope to see their love for life and others spread throughout the world.

7. What from our community are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the participants of our Playhouse! They are why I joined the Board and I am continually amazed and inspired by their accomplishments.

8. How do you enjoy spending your free time?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching my favorite sports teams (GO PSU!), and trying new restaurants. If you catch me in the morning, you will most likely find me with a coffee in hand!

9. What do you want the GiGi’s NYC community to know?

I am honored to serve on the Board of this amazing organization and will work diligently with our Board members to continue bringing best in class programming and events to the community we love.

We are truly appreciative of the hard work and dedication Michael brings to the Down syndrome community. His excitement and effort into all things GiGi’s do not go unnoticed. Please join us in sharing your appreciation for Michael and what he brings to our community!