GiGi’s National Leadership Conference 2021

Five of our Board Members, our Site Manager, and one volunteer had the privilege to attend the National Leadership Conference this year. We came together to build teams, strengthen our mission, and grow together.

2021 National Leadership Conference

Every year in November, the GiGi’s Playhouse National Office conducts five days of training and development for all Playhouses and startup teams. Last year, due to covid, the conference was held virtually, and while the content was phenomenal as always, we all missed being able to see our extended Playhouse family.

Thankfully, this year, we safely joined 250 other attendees who had the opportunity to listen to 85 speakers and choose from 78 sessions! Session topics included topics such as, “Create Engaging and Purposeful Lesson Plans for Math,” “Promoting Positive Behavior – Easier Than You Think!,” “Navigating and Improving Board-Staff Relations,” “The Payoff of Investing in your Volunteers,” and so much more. We divided and conquered to cover as many topics as possible; now we get to collaborate to implement all the new strategies and ideas to move our Playhouse to the next level!

Nicole Harrigan, Board President:

The GiGi’s National Leadership Conference is medicine for my soul. GiGi’s is truly my life’s passion, and I can’t imagine anything better than being surrounded by hundreds of people who share that passion. Though I’m exhausted physically, (jet lag + daylight saving is for the birds!) I’m emotionally renewed and ready to take our Playhouse to the next level. Oh, and if you’ve never been to a GiGi’s dance party, have you ever really partied????

We couldn’t agree with our President Nicole more! We have truly been rejuvenated, even if that means our physical body needed some time to recover! Being surrounded by so many other motivating people who share our passion is inspiring and only makes us want to shine our light even brighter! And, she is so right! If you’ve never been to a GiGi’s dance party, you are truly missing out!

April Davila, Board Vice President:

Always a cup filler…National conference was a wonderful mix of development with the board and staff, plus a blend of education and best practices topped with a festive celebration together!

I am giddy with excitement to hit 2022 with a new year of growth and expansion… growing our programs, expanding 1:1 tutoring and speech and anything else that comes our way! We have been so blessed in 2021 and wrapped in love from our Ds family and the community at large. Grateful, humbled and PUMPED UP for 2022!!!! 🎉

Kim Cheers, Site Manager:

How can you not come back from conference and have stars in your eyes?!?!! My heart is full, but if you could see my brain that is even more full of all the possibilities for our Playhouse. Being immersed in our larger network lent itself to amazing round table discussions for collaboration and feedback, there is nothing like being in person! It was an outstanding conference, there is so much I brought back to begin planning 2022. Buckle up everyone and get ready for 2022, the possibilities are endless!

Catherine Conner, Board Treasurer:

A truly amazing network of individuals who have one common goal and one common passion.

An inspiring, exciting and encouraging 3 days validating all the hard work we are doing in our communities.

The hope, opportunities, and potential for the future of individuals with Down syndrome is limitless and it’s our mission to dream big to achieve and discover all this hope, opportunity, and potential…we are the future.

Nancy Adams, Volunteer:

I was inspired by all the young people who participated! From the GiGi’s ambassadors spreading cheer and inspiration, to members of GiGi’s Youth Boards making our efforts known in their schools and communities, I’m excited by their passion and involvement in the GiGi’s community!

Olivia Goad, Social Media:

Wow! What an incredible first-time experience at conference! Since the day I found the startup team for GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento, I knew I wanted to be a part of this wonderful organization and make a difference in my community. When my daughter Ariana was born, I was instantly blessed to be a part of the Down syndrome family, and I knew I wanted to make the world a better place for her and her friends! Being a part of GiGi’s allows me to shout her worth to the entire world and make a difference in my community.

Going to the conference gave me that extra push and motivation, reminding me of why I am a part of this organization and how to be even more of an inspiration! There were so many other teams on the same mission as us; we were all so excited to learn together. I gained so much knowledge and now have various tools in my belt to enhance our marketing strategies, web and social media presence, and so much more.

I have always loved my team members, and going on this trip allowed me to be even closer to them. I had so much fun getting to know all of these ladies more deeply, and we became so comfortable with each other! Our team bonding allowed us to develop some great approaches for our Playhouse and continue reaching goals together. I also believe that because of this new bond, we will be able to take our ideas to the next level and execute them well!

Nicole Deters, Social Media:

I was fortunate enough to be a part of GiGi’s Playhouse National Conference this year and to say I was overjoyed is an understatement. To express my gratitude would take a lifetime tenfold. From meeting incredible people to hearing the most touching and heartfelt life experiences has truly humbled me.

I had the opportunity to tour GiGi’s National Playhouse, I was blown away. It’s creative, inviting, and full of joy!!! The sessions I attended were beneficial. They gave me an extra confidence booster that I needed to continue on this beautiful social media/marketing journey. I want to make a difference in this life, even if I only touch one person. One is better than none!

This is my son Jaydon; he is my motivation to be better and do better.

Including those who did not attend the conference, our board members, committee members, and volunteers are ready to finish 2021 strong and continue building in 2022!