National #GenerationG Youth Board

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.
As of now, there are 8 existing Youth Boards: Westchester, Canton, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Raleigh, NYC, Hillsborough, and San Diego. Our goal is to have two representatives from each Playhouse, and currently, we have two representatives from 6 of the 8 Playhouses mentioned above.
Please reach out to lmoreau@gigisplayhouse.org if you’re interested in becoming a representative from your Playhouse.
Advisors and Officers:
Stacy Jackson (Supervisor, 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)
Email: Mgray@gigisplayhouse.org
Members:
Parth Halani (President, Hillsborough, NJ) -
Email: phalani@gigisplayhouse.org
My journey with GiGi’s Playhouse began as an effort to gain volunteer hours at my local playhouse, but it quickly transformed into something much more meaningful. Attending the National Conference and working closely with individuals with Down syndrome has profoundly impacted me, showing me the beauty of acceptance, kindness, and the power of celebrating every individual for exactly who they are. This organization has cultivated me into a community-driven leader, in which I strive to promote a world where being different doesn’t equate to power, a world where equality is normalized. I am beyond grateful for the honor of serving as President and for the chance to work alongside such extraordinary individuals who inspire me every day. If you know anyone aged 12-18—whether they’re family, friends, neighbors, or classmates—please share this incredible organization with them. Together, we can spark a movement that changes lives, celebrates differences, and builds a more inclusive world for everyone.
Luke Moreau (VP, San-Diego, CA)
Email: lmoreau@gigisplayhouse.org
I first began volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse in my eighth grade, when my older sister invited me to tag along to a GiGi’s Kitchen session. I instantly became hooked after experiencing the welcoming environment and decided to join the San Diego Youth Board. Over the years, I’ve grown from a curious volunteer to a passionate advocate for acceptance and inclusion. Attending the National Leadership Conference deepened by understanding of GiGi’s Playhouse mission and connected me with inspiring leaders across the organization. As Vice President of the National Youth Board, I am focused on spreading the #GenerationG message and empowering more youth to create a world where everyone is celebrated for who they are. GiGi’s Playhouse has profoundly shaped my perspective, teaching me the beauty of community and the power of acceptance.
Manan Patel (Secretary, Hillsborough, NJ)
I was first introduced to GiGi’s Playhouse through Parth, the president, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity. I felt strongly drawn to this organization from the beginning, as its mission of creating a more accepting and inclusive world deeply resonates with my own experiences. Having grown up alongside my brother, who has cerebral palsy, I understand the importance of organizations that not only provide direct support but also work to transform community perceptions. With the opportunity to serve as secretary, I am to amplify our message and help create innovative ways for young people to engage with the #GenG movement. More importantly, I want to help build a framework that ensures that every Youth Board feels empowered to make a lasting impact in their communities.
Ethan Tonni (Marketing Officer, Canton, OH)
I was very lucky to be introduced to GiGi’s Playhouse through my little brother Gabe, who is an individual with Down syndrome. In 2019, when Canton opened and had it’s big celebration, I was able to see Nancy and GiGi talk about how cool this Playhouse would be, and they were right. Around 2021 I joined the Youth Board after hearing about it in my school announcements and eventually found my ‘work’ family. I found a place where I can give back to my community and see the smiles in everyone's faces who I help, while also having lots of fun in the process. GiGi’s Playhouse has not only given me a place where I see the world through different eyes, but a place where I see the change all around me. As the Marketing Officer for the NYB, I oversee creating Blog Posts, and social media posts such as marketing an event or posting a video engaging audiences.

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