Michelle Sie Whitten receives Newsed CDC’s prestigious Civil Rights Award, along with Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), and other human rights activists

As Michelle Sie Whitten, the President & CEO of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global), fights for the rights of people who are differently-abled, the community takes notice. Global is at the forefront of groundbreaking research, medical care, education, and advocacy efforts dedicated to significantly improving the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. This year, a decade of Global’s work with Congress and the National Institutes of Health resulted in the first real increase in federally-funded Down syndrome research and medical care – a $23M increase for 2018 and an additional $40M for 2019. Recognized as a true champion for the Down syndrome community, Whitten and Global receive prestigious awards for leadership and advocacy.

NEWSED Community Development Corporation Civil Rights Award

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NEWSED Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a nonprofit, started 47 years ago, that strives to improve economic issues in disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. At NEWSED CDC’s 27th Civil Rights Awards ceremony, inspiring people and organizations were honored and recognized for their hard work in human and civil rights. The event honored six community leaders with the prestigious award, including Global President & CEO, Michelle Sie Whitten. Upon receiving her award, Whitten thanked NEWSED, other awardees and co-honoree Congresswoman Diana DeGette for helping advocate for research and medical care funding for those with Down syndrome. She also referenced the wisdom of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, that you cannot believe in the rights of one population without believing in the rights of them all. “Global is part of a bigger movement,” says Whitten, “showing that differently-abled are important.”

2018 NEWSED CDC Civil Rights Awardees (in order of appearance):
1.Dr. Lorenzo Trujillo, Attorney and Music Professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver
2. Dr. Martha Urioste, Legendary educator and community leader in the Denver Public School System
3. Diana DeGette, U.S. Representative for Colorado
4. Michelle Sie Whitten, President & CEO of Global Down Syndrome Foundation
5. The Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance, an organization advocating for freedom and equality and holding public officials accountable for their decisions
6. La Academia, a school of learning that has sense closed its doors, was honored for their commitment to helping students and the community.

Michelle Sie Whitten Honored at ARC Thrift’s 50th Anniversary with Distinguished Disability Leadership Award for her life-saving and life-changing work at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation

At ARC Thrift’s 50th anniversary “Born to Be Me” Gala, Global President & CEO Michelle Sie Whitten received ARC’s Distinguished Disability Leadership Award. The award recognizes leaders in Colorado who give their hearts, souls, time, and passion to advocating for people with disabilities. The annual event was held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, welcoming approximately 800 guests. ARC’s CEO, Lloyd Lewis, and his son Kennedy, presented the award to Michelle and her daughter, Sophia.

ARC Thrift Stores is one of Colorado’s largest nonprofits with funding over $100 million and one of the state’s biggest employers of people with intellectual disabilities. Global is honored to work with the incredible people at ARC in our joint mission of improving the lives of those who are differently-abled.