Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Misty Coy Snyder!

Hello, everyone!

My name is Misty Coy Snyder and I live in Madison, NJ with my husband and two sons, Clay and Jedidiah (Clay is 6 and Jed is 4, Rockin’ that extra chromosome)! Though we are newer to this community, we absolutely adore GiGi’s NYC! I lived in NYC for seven years as a professional singer/actor and I will always consider it my home away from home. Caring about the city the way I do, it makes perfect sense to serve and participate with the Down syndrome community there!

In March of 2024, I had the immense pleasure of working with Venessa Diaz on the FIRST EVER GiGi’s NYC Broadway Cabaret. It was such a joy watching her vision come to life, sharing the stage with other fabulous artists and watching my worlds collide as a performer and advocate. It was an unforgettable night and I look forward to many more in the coming years! I will also be helping with social media and would love to connect with YOU on Instagram. You can find me on @happinessisdownsyndrome and @mistycoysnyder and connect with me there or respond to this email to introduce yourself. It is my hope to create posts and reels of YOU! Sharing your stories, and highlighting the many experiences you can enjoy through Gigi’s Playhouse NYC. Please share and tag your pictures and videos with me and I will be sure to tag you on the socials!

I never dreamed things would look like this upon receiving a prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis in March of 2020. I was afraid that all the things I held so dear would cease…my creativity…my community…my drive to connect.  I could not have been more wrong.  Just a few months after Jed was born, I launched an advocacy video campaign and the Instagram platform that would become, Happiness is Down syndrome. Through social media, I’ve been able to connect with families in our Down syndrome community all throughout the world. I also learned to create content (reels, posts, etc) that would inspire those in the Down syndrome community (particularly newly diagnosed families) and reach the masses to educate and advocate.

I’m thrilled to utilize this skill set to help spread the inspiring stories of GiGi’s NYC.

All my love!

Misty

GiGi’s NYC is thrilled to have Misty join our team. Read below to learn more about her:

How and when did you first get involved with GiGi’s NYC? January 2024 to help Venessa put together the Cabaret!

Why did you decide to join the GiGi’s NYC community? I believe in the mission. I’m inspired by the people. I love the programs, the partnerships, the PULSE of the city and the Down syndrome community.

What is your favorite thing about the GiGi’s NYC community? I love the merging of my two communities (NYC and the Down syndrome community). I love the programs provided and the wonderful individuals who work tirelessly to serve and give back.

What does Down syndrome awareness and acceptance look like to you? Equality. Inclusion. Dignity. JOY. Persistence. Truth telling.

How do you enjoy spending your free time? I love reading a good book, watching documentaries and murder mysteries and attending any LIVE show I can possibly get to! You can find me galavanting to NYC AT LEAST once a month to watch a show and connect with friends. I love dancing my heart out whenever I get the chance and enjoying a good Bar Method Class.

What does your role as a volunteer look like?  Utilizing my gifts and abilities to promote inclusion and advocating for equality and dignity for persons with Down syndrome.

What do you want the GiGi’s NYC community to know? I’m committed to serving and giving my all for progress, inclusion, equality and THE THRIVING of our community.

GiGi’s NYC is incredibly excited to welcome Misty to our team! Her enthusiasm and passion make her a fantastic addition, and we can’t wait for you all to meet her soon!