Mikayla was the first woman with Down syndrome to compete in the Miss Minnesota pageant. The college student started off as a dancer, but after her first pageant Mikayla decided to try out for Miss Minnesota. Holmgren brought home the spirit award and shattered the glass ceiling for others with Down syndrome to compete.
Read MoreAmy Bockerstette was the first person with Down syndrome to receive an athletic scholarship to attend college. The golf star had a moment of fame after playing with PGA TOUR players Gary Woodland and Matt Kuchar. Amy’s main sport may be golf, but she makes time for her other favorites: swimming, volleyball, and baseball. In addition to sports, Amy plays the piano and runs her own nonprofit organization, the I Got This Foundation.
Read MoreEli Reimer is the second person with Down syndrome to ever climb Mount Everest. Hiking 70 miles with the company of his father, Eli reached the South Base Camp in Nepal at 17,600 ft. His trip raised $85,000 for people with all sorts of “disabilities” and their families.
Read MoreJamie was the first woman with Down syndrome to walk the runway at New York Fashion Week. Brewer was introduced to the modeling world after debuting her acting career on American Horror Story. Starring in seasons 1, 3, 4, and 7, the talented actress easily transformed into different characters. Since then, Jamie has been featured in over 10 films and shows.
Read MoreYou might know Stephens from watching C-Span or attending one of his speeches at the United Nations. The abortion rate for babies prenatally diagnosed with Down syndrome is at an all time high. This is something Stephens wants to change. Traveling the world, Frank educates people about Down syndrome and why it is nothing to be afraid of or to change.
Read MoreGigi Cunningham is a model and actress. During short breaks from the runway, Gigi has been featured in documentaries and the hit medical drama New Amsterdam. Cunningham aspires to eventually attend a university and become a fashion designer.
Read MoreLucas Barron was the first person with Down syndrome to race in the Dakar Rally in Peru. The race lasted 10 days, spanning over 3,000 miles of mostly sand. Lucas completed the race along with the 500 other participants.
Read MoreAndrew has been dancing since he was eleven years old. All his practice paid off when he got to perform on BBC’s The Greatest Dancer. Self performed with his whole heart on the dance floor, winning over the audience and judges, and advancing to the call back round. His performance shattered stereotypes, and changed the lives of the show’s cast.
Read MorePolly and Joe met while studying at Central Sussex College, and it was love at first site. The two got married in 2016 with a festival themed wedding. Complete with a sprinkle cake, singing waiters, and a unicorn throne, Polly and Joe “tied the knot” in front of friends and family, starting a marriage that remains just as strong, if not stronger, today.
Read MoreSteven is a professional weight lifter, who goes up against opponents with and without “disabilities” in competitions. He holds 30 records, both national and international, and broke two world records at a St. Croix meet. Gassert can lift 280 lbs and deadlift 380 lbs.
Read MoreKathleen is a model in London, England who has been featured in London Fashion Week and photographed by famous French photographer, Marc Lamey. The posh model speaks English and French, lives in her own flat (apartment), and is majoring in drama and dance at her university. Kathleen always makes time in her busy schedule to advocate for others with Down syndrome, and even spoke at the United Nations in 2017.
Read MoreIn memory of her late best friend, Erin Ann McDonough, Bobbi Leckrone finally followed her passion for cooking and published her first cookbook “Simply Delicious Recipes: Bon Appétit by Bobbi.” The book has over 200 recipes Bobbi collected from friends, family, and her own personal knowledge. In addition to dedicating the book to her late friend, Bobbi has decided to donate all profits from her cookbook to research for Alzheimer’s, the disease that took her friend.
Read MoreYou may know John Tucker from A&E’s Born This Way, but acting is only a side job for this musician. The composer began his music career with his rap debut “Shake Your Booty,” and is currently working on more songs. Fans hope someday to hear a full album from Tucker.
Read MoreGrace Key is a model and clothing designer who launched her own business, Candidly Kind. Grace’s designs surround the theme of positivity, something she believes to be the key to life. Grace is not just a successful entrepreneur, she is a generous philanthropist. Through her company, she has donated to over twenty organizations that support people with Down syndrome and causes she feels strongly about.
Read MoreThe Shermanator was an amateur MMA fighter until his idol, Diego Sanchez, believed he should get a shot in the ring. Sanchez challenged Marquez to a professional fight in front of a crowd. Dedicating the fight to his late mother, Marquez won by locking Sanchez in an armbar. Since then, Issac “The Shermanator” Marquez has made a name for himself in the world of MMA.
Read MoreOnce his talent on the blues harmonica was recognized, Leland was offered scholarships from music workshops all over the United States, including a full scholarship at the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica. The owner of the Lone Wolf Blues Company offered to endorse Leland, and now the company supports his career financially, promotes him, and makes sure his musical equipment is up to date.
Read MoreIf you’ve ever had the pleasure of eating at Austin’s Underdawgs, you’ve dined on the culinary creations of Austin Underwood: an entrepreneur with Down syndrome. Not only did this chef achieve his dream of starting own food truck, but he got to marry the woman he claims he fell in love with at three years old. Austin and Jessica had a country-themed wedding, complete with sunflowers and custom cowboy boots. The couple now lives happily together, running Austin’s truck.
Read MoreEmmanuel started playing the violin at six years old. At twelve, he played his first concert. Since then, he has traveled the world, playing in multiple countries, and even during a mass at the roman Vatican. Emmanuel’s talents do not stop as a worldwide known violinist. He speaks four languages: English, Spanish, French, and Latin. He is also a swimmer and golfer, earning 28 gold medals, 9 silver medals, and 4 bronze medals combining both sports.
Read MoreMegan Bombgaars is an actress, well-known from A&E’s Born This Way. Aside from acting, Megan is a designer. She started her own clothing company, Megology, and has partnered with Sanrio’s Hello Kitty to create a unique clothing line. After establishing herself in the world of fashion, Megan partnered with the company Art Pop to design her own makeup line.
Read MoreLeli Zammit has been an alter boy in Zebbug, Malta for over 40 years. Long ago, he dedicated his entire life to volunteering in his community, as well as his church. When he is not serving his community, he is at home taking care of his mother and their house.
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