FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NDSS Contact:
Michelle Sagan
media@ndss.org
301-728-0447
National Down Syndrome Society Elects First Executive Committee Member with Down Syndrome
Washington D.C. (October 23, 2023) – The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is pleased to announce Candace Whiting has been elected as Deputy Secretary on the Executive Committee of the NDSS Board of Directors. Candace is the first individual with Down syndrome to serve on the Executive Committee.
“It is an honor to have been nominated and chosen to sit on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors,” stated Candace Whiting. “Representation from the Down syndrome community at the highest level in an organization that empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families is critically important. This means so much to me and our community.”
Candace holds the Mia Peterson Memorial Board Seat, a position that was created for a female with Down syndrome and was established in memory of Mia Peterson, the first individual with Down syndrome to serve on the NDSS board. In her daily life, Candace provides mentoring, coaching, and empowerment for the Down syndrome community. As the CEO of Great Life Unlimited, Candace is on a mission to help people see the unlimited possibilities that can be achieved when they believe in themselves.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Candace Whiting as Deputy Secretary,” said NDSS Chairman Carlo Frappolli. “The presence of an individual with Down syndrome on the Executive Committee is another way NDSS is amplifying the voices of individuals with Down syndrome in the work we do. Candace’s dedication to our community and lived experience will have a profound impact in the development of strategies to further the mission of NDSS.”
In her role as Deputy Secretary, Candace will perform the duties of the Secretary of the Board, as well as assisting the Secretary in reviewing agenda items, guiding meeting procedures and tracking all motions and votes at Board meetings.
About NDSS
Founded in 1979, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions. NDSS engages grassroots advocates at the federal, state, and local levels and creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan on topics including education, employment, health and wellness, and aging. NDSS founded the National Buddy Walk® Program in 1995 and hosts community engagement events throughout the country including the New York City Buddy Walk® and Times Square Video, the NDSS Adult Summit, and the Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference. Visit www.ndss.org to learn more.
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