I Am Smart, Strong, and Determined

by Kacie Rooney, Inspirational Speaker 2026

Kacie has been an integral part of our community for many years, participating in a wide range of programs and building meaningful friendships along the way. When asked to be this year’s Inspirational Self Advocate Speaker, she was truly honored and excited to take on the role.

In preparation, Kacie practiced at home with the support of her family, who thoughtfully set her up with a portable light and large print to help her feel confident and at ease.

And when the moment came, Kacie absolutely shined. She delivered her speech with confidence, heart, and authenticity. We are so proud of her and encourage you to watch her inspiring speech on Instagram.

Hello and welcome to the 10^th Annual GiGi’s Playhouse “I Have a Voice” Gala!  I am so excited to celebrate this incredible milestone with the GiGi’s community. I have been an active participant for many years.

My name is Kacie Rooney. I am honored to be the Inspirational Self Advocate Speaker for this year’s Gala. I am 23 years old, and I have Down syndrome. A little bit about me. I am an avid reader and a word search queen. I love to sing and spend time on my iPad. I am proud to be a cheerleader for Extreme Force’s Team Drive!

During the week, I enjoy going to my day programs at Select Connects, Successful Learning Center, and Mercy University.

But I have to say, my weekly highlight is spending time with my friends at GiGi Prep.  Together, we learn a variety of life skills, participate in community projects, and continue to strengthen our bond as friends.

I like to think of myself as one of the original participants at GiGi’s Playhouse. As my peers and I have matured and become young adults, the programs at GiGi’s have grown with us.

I have benefited from the many programs offered by GiGi’s. I’ve attended the tutoring programs for math and reading. I’ve participated in GiGiFIT, Yoga, GiGi’s Kitchen, Art Explosion, and Teen Tastic.

Currently, I attend a weekly speech session at GiGi’s with the graduate students from Mercy University, who are studying to become Speech Therapists. And of course, there is GiGi Prep, which is run by Kathy, Sharnaz, Dani, and Susan. The programs at GiGi’s are funded by the valuable donors who support GiGi’s mission.  Without their generosity, we wouldn’t have the wonderful programs available to us. I wouldn’t want to imagine a week without going to GiGi’s because it means so much to me.

I want to give special thanks to the staff and volunteers at GiGi’s. What has been made possible for my friends and me is priceless!

I would like to thank Tracy, Lisa, and the Gala Committee for choosing me to be the Inspirational Self Advocate speaker tonight. It’s been my honor to share a part of my story with you. The experiences and opportunities that I have participated in have had a huge impact on who I am.

I have learned a lot about myself.

I am smart!  I am strong!  I am determined!

I am capable of doing wonderful things and advocating for myself!

I make a meaningful difference in our community!

Thank you, GiGi’s, for helping me realize I have a Voice!

Enjoy the evening, and I’ll see you on the dance floor!

Watch Kacie’s full speech here.