About the National #GenG Youth Board
9 Youth Boards | 14 Representatives | One Mission
The National #GenG Youth Board (NGYB for short) is a movement founded in the values of the #GenerationG pledge of Being Kind, Accepting and Generous. Made up of enthusiastic middle & high schoolers who are dedicated to raising awareness of Down syndrome and bringing inclusion into their communities.
The National #GenG Youth Board helps to support local Youth Boards across the nation by establishing new Youth Boards, growing existing ones, and allowing future generations to create a lifetime of memories.
To Establish a Youth Board at Your Local Playhouse
Contact: klewis@gigisplayhouse.org
For General Inquiries & Other Purposes:
Contact: youthboard@gigisplayhouse.org
NGYB Representation
Current Youth Board Locations: Canton, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Raleigh, NYC, Hillsborough, Twin Cities, San Diego
National #GenerationG Youth Board Representatives play a vital role in connecting local Youth Boards with the larger national movement. We meet bimonthly to discuss what’s happening at our individual Playhouses, share updates on upcoming events, and plan how to feature them on our national Instagram feed to spread awareness and excitement. Representatives are selected by each Playhouse’s Youth Board.
These meetings are also a space to track the progress of competitions and activities, celebrate successes, and address any challenges our boards may face. Representatives collaborate to provide support, share ideas, and ensure that every Playhouse Youth Board has the tools and guidance needed to thrive.
Ultimately, the role of a Representative is to elevate the voice of local Youth Board members, engaging them on a national scale. By fostering collaboration and continuing to spread the message of the #GenG Youth Board, we’re inspiring the next generation to embrace inclusion, kindness, and generosity in everything they do.
Advisors:
Stacy Jackson (Supervisor, National Office)
Katie Lewis (Co-Founder/Advisor, Annapolis, MD)
Email: klewis@gigisplayhouse.org
I started volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis as a Sophomore in high school after I joined the Youth Board. From my first meeting I was hooked on the cause. I served a term as board secretary and then two terms as President. My senior year, I was reached out to by Matt and Nate to start the National GenerationG Youth Board, which turned into a huge passion project for us. After presenting our plan at Conference 2021, we worked to create resources to assist Playhouses looking to start a YB. I had the opportunity to bring the board back to life in 2023 and have since developed it into the fully functional board it is today. I presented at Conference 2024 on Youth Board development and youth volunteer engagement and have been working very closely with GiGi’s Playhouse Inc. to ensure we’re doing everything possible to sustain our young volunteers! I also serve as an At-Large Member of the Annapolis Board. Away from GiGi’s, I’m a soon to be Sport and Entertainment Management Graduate from the University of South Carolina
Nate Gray (Co-Founder/Advisor, Cleveland, OH)
Email: ngray@gigisplayhouse.org
I was first introduced to GiGi's Playhouse in 2016 when the Cleveland Playhouse opened its doors. From the start, I was deeply moved by the impact GiGi's had on the community, providing free tutoring, therapeutic programs, and career development opportunities that empowered individuals with Down syndrome to succeed. On a personal level, my younger brother, Nick, who has Down syndrome, inspired me to get involved. I joined the Cleveland Youth Board, which ultimately led Matt, Katie, and me to establish the National #GenerationG Youth Board. Watching the growth of programs like TeenTastic in Cleveland and seeing how the events organized and fundraised by the Youth Board provided a welcoming space for teenagers with Down syndrome to come together and thrive in social settings was truly inspiring. After pitching the National #GenerationG Youth Board (NGYB) at conference in 2021, the advisory board established materials for local Youth Boards within GiGi's Playhouse network with the resources and frameworks needed to boost teenage engagement. This included organizing events tailored for teenagers with Down syndrome and hosting educational seminars in local high schools.
Matthew Gray (Co-Founder/Advisor, Cleveland, OH)
I began volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse in 2016 when the Cleveland Playhouse first opened. I was initially drawn to GiGi’s Playhouse because my younger brother, Nick, has Down syndrome. The programing, opportunities, and mission of GiGi’s Playhouse was something that inspired me to get involved. In 2018, the Cleveland Playhouse began its local GenerationG Youth Board, which allowed me and the other founding members to take on new volunteering responsibilities, including coordinating TeenTastic and assisting with various fundraisers and events. Before the 2021 Conference, Nate and I reached out to Katie, and together, we presented our idea for a National GenerationG Youth Board. Since then, we have continued to work together, and most recently we have taken on advisory roles for the National GenerationG Youth Board. Outside of GiGi’s, I am in my third year at The Ohio State University studying Chemical Engineering and Spanish.
Email: Mgray@gigisplayhouse.org
Officers:
Ethan Tonni (President; Canton, OH Playhouse)
Inspired by his little brother Gabe, who is an individual with Down syndrome, Ethan has dedicated years to volunteer work and community engagement at GiGi's Playhouse Canton. He was elected NGYB Marketer in 2024 before becoming the current President.
Anya Anand (Vice President; Hillsborough, NJ Playhouse)
Anya Anand (Vice President; Hillsborough, NJ Playhouse)During Anya's first program, LMNOP, she knew immediately that she wanted to be apart of the GiGi's Playhouse community. She later joined the Hillsborough Youth Board and has loved every opportunity to give back to the community. She hopes to encourage Playhouses to launch Youth Boards so that more young leaders can make an impact and spread the message of #GenerationG.
Nora Michaelis (Marketing Officer; Atlanta GA Playhouse)
Nora Michaelis (Marketing Officer; Atlanta GA Playhouse)founder of the neurotypical teen mentorship program currently located at 6 playhouses, bEquals. She is in the works of starting a Youth Board at Atlanta, and she cannot wait for her year ahead combining her love of marketing and her passion for changing the way the world views Down Syndrome.
Aashrith Tatineni (Secretary; Raleigh, NC Playhouse)
Aashrith Tatineni (Secretary; Raleigh, NC Playhouse)is committed to keeping the youth board organized and efficient, while advancing the #GenerationG movement! He is located at the Raleigh Playhouse and has actively participated in a wide range of events and programs for several years.
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