Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassadors
2011 Global Down Syndrome Ambassador DeOndra Dixon with Rep. Patrick Kennedy
In addition to honoring people with Down syndrome with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award, Global Down Syndrome Foundation is proud to honor individuals with Down syndrome each year as official Ambassadors for Foundation. Ambassadors and their families work hard to raise awareness for the Foundation’s mission of significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through researchmedical care, education and advocacy. Each Ambassador graces the cover of our Be Beautiful Be Yourself gala invitation and writes his or her own personal story. The story is featured in the local press and as part of the invitation. The Ambassador is also featured in a special video our Foundation produces for the marquee fundraising event and depending on the Ambassador’s age, the Ambassador participates as a model in the fashion show.
Ambassadors and their families continue to support the Foundation’s work by representing the foundation at conferences and conventions, raising funds for programs and workshops, participating in press interviews, and advocating for equality and government support.
Meet Zaya Biel – 2024 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
Hello! I am Zaya Rose, a fiery little 5-year-old who has already had a wealth of extraordinary experiences. On New Year’s Eve in 2018, while my parents were celebrating, I surprised everyone by arriving 4 weeks early during a big Colorado blizzard.
Read more about Zaya Biel
Meet Isla Eager – 2024 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
It is truly an honor for us to introduce Isla as GLOBAL’s 2024 Ambassador. When Isla walks in a room you know it. Someone recently described Isla to us as a “joy bomb”. It’s true. She’s a tornado of activity and non-stop movement but sheds light in every direction she moves. Her teachers call her the “mayor” of the school. But the same can be said when she’s at a doctor’s office, playground, or grocery store. She’s never met a stranger and is quick with a “Hi!”, especially if the person on the receiving end hasn’t noticed her yet.
Read more about Isla Eager
Meet Grace Brennan – 2023 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
Hi, my name is Grace Brennan, and I will be 9 years old this year in September. I’m in the second grade and love walking to school with my two big sisters, Audrey & Ava. I’ve been included in the general education classroom at my neighborhood school since T-K, and I love to be in the same school as my sisters. You might even say I’m more popular at our school than they are!
Read more about Grace Brennan
Meet Abby Ashbrook – 2023 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
It is truly an honor for us to introduce Abby as this year’s Ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Abby is the gift our family didn’t know we needed, and we are so excited for you to meet her.
Read more about Abby Ashbrook
Meet Micah Quinones – 2022 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
Hi, Micah Quinones here! I’m currently eight years old, and just started my second-grade year! My nickname is “chi” which is a short version of the word that describes me best – cheeky! My parents know fully just how much I love attention, and I will do just about anything to get it!
Read more about Micah Quinones.
Meet Jonah Berger – 2022 Global Down SyndromeFoundation Ambassador
This is Jonah Berger. He is our son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew, friend, neighbor, student, and most of all, he is our teacher. When Jonah was born ten years ago, we didn’t know he would have Down syndrome.
Read more about Jonah Berger.
Meet Archie & Sevy Eicher – 2021 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassadors
Archie and Sevy had unfair starts to life – when they were considered unworthy of family or being a part of society. And now, every day, they are proving that worldview wrong.
Read more about Archie & Sevy Eicher.
Meet Caroline Cardenas – 2021 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
My name is Caroline Cardenas, and I am 17 years old. I live in Dallas, Texas with my mom, dad, three sisters, and my dog, Luka. My sisters are my best friends: Grace is in college, Emily is going to college this year, and Claire is in high school. They always make time to hang out with me. The whole family loves to play board games, play Wii sports, watch movies, and eat ice cream together!
Read more about Caroline Cardenas.
Meet Walt Snodgrass – 2020 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
Hello, my name is Thomas Walter Snodgrass. I am 16 years old and a sophomore in high school. Everyone calls me “Walt.” That is appropriate because I love going to Walt Disney World.
Read more about Walt Snodgrass.
Meet Charlotte Fonfara-LaRose – 2019 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
My name is Charlotte Fonfara-LaRose, but my friends call me Charley. I am a 16-year-old high school sophomore from Annapolis, Maryland!
I have a sister Noelle and a big extended family! My parents, Cathy and Scott, are really fortunate to have me. When I was born, I surprised everyone with an extra chromosome. Despite the somber tone at the hospital, I left there happy and healthy, ready to start my great life.
Read more about Charlotte Fonfara-LaRose.
Meet CC Mullen – 2019 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
My name is Caroline “CC” Mullen. I am a bright, happy, determined little tornado who just happens to have Down syndrome! I live in Virginia with my mom, dad, and big sister Amelia. I love to spend time with my family and am lucky to have a lot of them around me! I also like to dance, read books with my mom, and eat!
Read more about CC Mullen.
Meet Sam Levin – 2018 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
Anyone who knows Sam knows he is one-of-a-kind. He participates in GLOBAL’s Dare to Play Football Camps with Ed McCaffrey, he plays on the Cherry Creek High School Unified basketball, football, lacrosse and track teams. Now he is the 2018 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Ambassador.
Read more about Sam Levin.
Meet Frank Stephens – 2018 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
Frank Stephens is an active spokesman for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and a member of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics Virginia. Frank often speaks on how lucky he feels to live in a generation where all of his accomplishments are possible for a man with Down syndrome.
Read more about Frank Stephens.
Meet Marcus Sikora – 2017 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
As an author, singer, actor and self-advocate, Marcus Sikora has already accomplished more in his life than most other 26-year-olds. Now he’s gathering yet another accomplishment as the 2017 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Ambassador.
Read more about Marcus Sikora.
Meet Louis Rotella IV – 2016 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
Louis “Louie” Rotella IV—the charming boy who inspired his dad to create the celebrated story of acceptanceThe Little King and His Marshmallow Kingdom—will inspire an audience of 1,200 when he takes to the runway as the 2016 Ambassador at Global’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show on Saturday, November 12.
Read more about Louis Rotella.
Meet Clarissa Capuano – 2015 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
My name is Clarissa Joann Capuano. I am seven years old and live with my Mom & Dad. I have two older brothers Alec & Jesse who are both in college. I love to sing, dance, ride horses, swim, hike and play dress up.
Read more about Clarissa Capuano.
Meet Steven Dulcie – 2014 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
Steven brings to anyone who gets to know him Joy with a capital ‘J,’ He loves soccer and baseball and he’s an expert at movies and loves music and dancing.
Read more about Steven Dulcie.
Meet Katherine Felicia Norton – 2014 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
My name is Katherine Felicia Norton. I am 43 years old, and I live in Washington, DC, where my mom, Eleanor Holmes Norton, represents the District of Columbia in Congress. I love to dance, do puzzles and perform in pantomimes at the Art and Drama Therapy Institute and show everyone how capable and fun I am.
Read more about Katherine Felicia Norton.
Meet Cole Rodgers – 2013 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
My name is Cole Rodgers. I am 6 years old. I love music, school and peanut butter. My family is from Eastern Washington State, but most of the time, we live in Washington, D.C.
Read more about Cole.
Meet Samantha Marcia Stevens – 2012 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
My name is Samantha Marcia Stevens, and I live just outside Boston with my mommy and daddy. Even though I’m only 6 years old, I’ve filled my life and the lives of everyone I meet with smiles and happiness.
Read more about Samantha.
Meet DeOndra Dixon – 2011 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
A loving tribute to GLOBAL Ambassador DeOndra Dixon
DeOndra was Global’s inaugural Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award recipient and a Global Ambassador since 2011. DeOndra lived in California with her brother, Jamie Foxx, her parents and extended family. DeOndra was very grateful her family for helping her her reach her potential and in turn she helped others with Down syndrome do the same.
Read more about DeOndra.
Meet Alex Sessions – 2011 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
My name is Alexander Gregory Sessions, I am 17 years old. I was born January 19, 1994 in Dallas, Texas. I was born with Down syndrome. My parents were very happy when I was born – my brother Bill was 4 and they always wanted two boys. They did not know much about Down syndrome, but soon started educating themselves to make sure they did all they could to help me reach my intellectual and physical potential.
Read more about Alex.
Meet Katherine Vollbracht Winfield – 2010 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
My name is Katherine Vollbracht Winfield. I like sparkly lights and giggles. That is because I am only 15 months old! I live in Seattle with my mom, dad and big brother Kirby III. I surprised everyone by arriving 3 weeks early. And I had another big surprise – I was born with Down syndrome.
Read more about Katherine.
Meet Chase Turner Perry – 2009 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
My name is Chase Turner Perry. I am three years old and I live in Colorado with my mama, dada and little brother Cooper. I have heard my parents tell the story of the day I was born many times. I was a big surprise. My parents did not know I was a boy and they did not know I had an extra chromosome.
Read more about Chase.
Meet Sophia Whitten – 2008 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador
My name is Sophia Kay Whitten. I am five years old and I live in Colorado with my mommy, daddy and my little brother Patrick.
Read more about Sophia.
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