Profile

Nancy Gianni is the Chief Belief Officer and founder of GiGi?s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, as well as an author and public speaker. When Gianni gave birth to her beautiful daughter, GiGi in 2002, she received a Down syndrome diagnosis that she wasn?t prepared for. Following her daughter's diagnosis, her fears, coupled with the negative reactions of medical professionals, made Nancy believe that her life, as she knew it, was changed forever. Only a few months later Gianni?s entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and she launched the first GiGi's Playhouse in 2003, creating the only network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers in the world. GiGi's Playhouse is now a $22,000,000 NFP with 60 brick-and-mortar locations and startups in the United States and Mexico, as well as serving families in over 80 countries. GiGi?s provides over 4,400 hours a week of FREE educational, therapeutic and career programming services to over 30,000 individuals and their families. With a demand to open 200 more worldwide using her replicable model, Gianni is tireless. As the dynamic force that is changing the disability world, Gianni?s story has been featured on large scale media worldwide. Gianni, with over-the top energy and drive, serves as both the visionary leader behind the organization?s launch and dramatic growth; and perhaps in her most important role, being GiGi?s mom. Gianni resides in South Barrington, Illinois with her husband and their four children.