Meet Michelle Sie Whitten: Down Syndrome Advocacy Trailblazer + CEO of Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show
We’re excited to introduce Michelle Sie Whitten, the dynamic CEO, President, and Co-Founder of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL). Michelle has been instrumental in championing the recent passage of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act—a significant achievement in advancing Down syndrome research and advocacy. Her relentless dedication led to the Act's successful passage in the U.S. House of Representatives on September 18, marking a historic moment for the community.
Named in honor of GLOBAL’s cherished ambassador, DeOndra Dixon—who was also Jamie Foxx's younger sister—the INCLUDE Project Act will allocate essential funding for Down syndrome research, enhancing life expectancy and health outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome. This legislation represents a monumental leap forward for the Down syndrome community, coinciding beautifully with GLOBAL’s upcoming Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show on November 16. This spectacular event is the largest fundraiser globally dedicated to benefiting Down syndrome research and care, attracting support from celebrities and showcasing the remarkable talents of individuals with Down syndrome.
About Michelle Sie Whitten
As the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Michelle is committed to transforming the lives of those with Down syndrome through targeted research, comprehensive medical care, education, and advocacy. GLOBAL focuses on supporting the first academic center in the U.S. dedicated to Down syndrome research and medical care, which includes key partnerships with the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome and the Rocky Mountain Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Anschutz Medical Campus, as well as the Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
In addition to publishing the award-winning quarterly magazine, Down Syndrome World™, GLOBAL is a leading voice in advocating for equitable federal support for Down syndrome research and improved medical and educational standards. The foundation also organizes the highly acclaimed Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, the largest annual fundraiser for Down syndrome, and presents the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award each year.
Event Details
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Where: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
Time: 5:00 PM Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction | 6:30 PM Dinner, Live Auction, and Fashion Show
Join us for GLOBAL’s annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, a dazzling event that has raised an impressive $28.5 million over the past 15 years for vital research, medical care, education, and advocacy initiatives. Your support will help us continue to save and change lives, including:
Providing world-class medical care for over 2,500 pediatric patients with Down syndrome from 33 states and 10 countries.
Funding more than 200 scientists dedicated to researching Down syndrome, focusing on Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, autoimmune disorders, eye health, audiology, regression, and more.
Expanding our advocacy efforts, which have secured over $338 million in additional Down syndrome research and medical care funding from the National Institutes of Health over the last six years.
Offering vital medical resources, such as the GLOBAL Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome and free informational pamphlets for families and local Down syndrome organizations, translated for accessibility across the country and worldwide.
Let’s come together to celebrate inclusivity, beauty, and the incredible individuals with Down syndrome at this extraordinary event!