Best of All: Celebrating Fiona & Meredith’s Growth at Shake Shack

At GiGi’s Playhouse, we love to highlight “Best of All” moments—those times when participants stretch themselves, try something new, and discover just how capable they truly are. This June, we were thrilled to witness not one, but two inspiring “Best of All” stories. Fiona and Meredith, both adults in our GiGi University program, began their summer internships at the Shake Shack at Waverly Place in Cary, and what followed has been nothing short of remarkable.

On their very first day, Fiona and Meredith arrived feeling what anyone might on their first day at a new job: nervous and a bit unsure. They were warmly welcomed by the Shake Shack manager, who gave them a quick tour of the restaurant. Friendly employees introduced themselves, immediately creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. One of the manager’s first instructions was simple but meaningful: their job would include greeting customers with a cheerful “Welcome to Shake Shack!” as they entered.

Fiona took this responsibility to heart. At first, she eagerly called out greetings, but her body and eyes were often turned away from the door, making her voice feel disconnected from her audience. With gentle coaching from Nicole, Fiona quickly adapted. By just the fourth customer, she was turning to face the door, making eye contact, and proudly proclaiming, “Welcome to Shake Shack!” Her confidence grew with every greeting, and she even began adding friendly comments and compliments to guests. Watching Fiona’s social and communication skills blossom has been nothing short of amazing. Now, four weeks into her internship, she continues to maintain and build on these skills, delighting customers and co-workers alike with her energy and kindness.

Meredith’s journey has been equally inspiring, though a bit different. She came into her internship with previous volunteer experience and was excited to get started. Still, her first day brought moments of shyness and hesitation. Meredith found it challenging to introduce herself to new coworkers and felt nervous about asking for help when faced with unfamiliar tasks. Initially, she would turn to the GiGi U volunteer job coaches instead of seeking support from the Shake Shack team directly.

Recognizing an opportunity to build her self-advocacy skills, our coaches encouraged Meredith to use her “voice power”—the confidence to speak up for what she needs and to advocate for herself. Week by week, Meredith’s confidence began to shine through. Four weeks in, she now independently assesses when she needs assistance and doesn’t hesitate to seek out the manager for guidance. Even more impressive, Meredith is challenging herself to learn new tasks, step out of her comfort zone, and take on responsibilities that once seemed intimidating. Her willingness to push past fear and her commitment to personal growth have been nothing short of inspiring.

These stories of Fiona and Meredith aren’t just about work experience; they’re about discovering strengths, building confidence, and developing skills that will serve them throughout their lives. They show how a supportive environment, patient coaching, and a welcoming workplace can empower individuals to realize their full potential.

At GiGi’s Playhouse, our mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. Fiona and Meredith’s experiences at Shake Shack perfectly illustrate what can happen when inclusion is truly embraced. Their growth is a testament to the power of opportunity, encouragement, and community support.

We are so incredibly proud of Fiona and Meredith. Their hard work, bravery, and determination embody the spirit of “Best of All.” As they continue their internships this summer, we know they will keep growing, inspiring, and showing everyone around them what’s possible.

Stay tuned for more updates from GiGi University and more stories that celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our participants!