GLOBAL ya Kukubalika Gala
GLOBAL DOWN SYNDROME FOUNDATION
funding life-changing research and life-saving medical care for children and adults with Down syndrome
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
JW Marriott Washington, DC
6:00 PM ET Cocktail Reception | 7:00 PM ET Performance & Program
Emcees
Kyra Phillips, Award-winning Anchor/Correspondent, ABC News
John Roberts, Co-Anchor of “America Reports with John Roberts & Sandra Smith”, Fox News
2026 Honorees
Crystal Muro
2026 Ambassador
Crystal Muro lives in Orange County, California with her mom, thanks to a very important decision her parents made when she was born.
While California's Lanterman Act of 1969 ensured the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities to community-based care, Steve and Pia Muro were encouraged to consider committing Crystal to a state hospital when she was born. They knew immediately that their only option was to bring home their newborn and fully embrace her as a member of their loving family.
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Crystal Muro
2026 Ambassador
Crystal Muro lives in Orange County, California with her mom, thanks to a very important decision her parents made when she was born. While California's Lanterman Act of 1969 ensured the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities to community-based care, Steve and Pia Muro were encouraged to consider committing Crystal to a state hospital when she was born.
They knew immediately that their only option was to bring home their newborn and fully embrace her as a member of their loving family. From the very beginning, Crystal’s infectious laugh added even more warmth to her family. But life wasn't without challenges. As an infant, Crystal was frequently hospitalized and underwent surgery for a hole in her heart. But her resilience after these hospitalizations was just the first sign of her fighting spirit and dedication to spreading joy to those around her.
Since graduating from Tustin High School, Crystal has been engaged with the Regional Center of Orange County – one of a network of 21 Regional Centers across the state that were created through the Lanterman Act. The Regional Center has helped her to meaningfully engage with the community, including being part of the Orange County Goodwill Day program.
For over 10 years, Crystal has brought her kindness and conscientiousness to her volunteer work at the Tustin Area Senior Center. Her colleagues know that she will be the first to grab a microphone to entertain the seniors or grab a towel to help clean up after a bingo game or lunch.
An avid artist, Crystal always has a stack of paper, pens, and markers at the ready. Lucky friends and family can expect a card containing artwork on most holidays. Crystal is the queen of birthday greetings and maintains an extensive family and friends’ calendar. Once she knows your birthday, you will be sure to get a card, text, or if you're lucky, a birthday song! Crystal has been a lifelong role model and treasured friend, family member, and community leader. This is why we're so excited to have Crystal serve as GLOBAL Ambassador as she celebrates her 40th birthday at the 2026 AcceptAbility Gala. Crystal is proud to champion GLOBAL’s groundbreaking work and to represent a community she embodies so beautifully.
They knew immediately that their only option was to bring home their newborn and fully embrace her as a member of their loving family. From the very beginning, Crystal’s infectious laugh added even more warmth to her family. But life wasn't without challenges. As an infant, Crystal was frequently hospitalized and underwent surgery for a hole in her heart. But her resilience after these hospitalizations was just the first sign of her fighting spirit and dedication to spreading joy to those around her.
Since graduating from Tustin High School, Crystal has been engaged with the Regional Center of Orange County – one of a network of 21 Regional Centers across the state that were created through the Lanterman Act. The Regional Center has helped her to meaningfully engage with the community, including being part of the Orange County Goodwill Day program.
For over 10 years, Crystal has brought her kindness and conscientiousness to her volunteer work at the Tustin Area Senior Center. Her colleagues know that she will be the first to grab a microphone to entertain the seniors or grab a towel to help clean up after a bingo game or lunch.
An avid artist, Crystal always has a stack of paper, pens, and markers at the ready. Lucky friends and family can expect a card containing artwork on most holidays. Crystal is the queen of birthday greetings and maintains an extensive family and friends’ calendar. Once she knows your birthday, you will be sure to get a card, text, or if you're lucky, a birthday song! Crystal has been a lifelong role model and treasured friend, family member, and community leader. This is why we're so excited to have Crystal serve as GLOBAL Ambassador as she celebrates her 40th birthday at the 2026 AcceptAbility Gala. Crystal is proud to champion GLOBAL’s groundbreaking work and to represent a community she embodies so beautifully.
Shelley Moore Capito
2026 Quincy Jones Advocacy Awardee
Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) has dedicated her life to serving West Virginia and advancing policies that strengthen families across the state. As Chair of the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, she has championed increased funding for NIH Down syndrome research and is a cosponsor of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act (S. 1838), reinforcing her commitment to improving health outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome.
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Shelley Moore Capito
2026 Quincy Jones Advocacy Awardee
Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) has dedicated her life to serving West Virginia and advancing policies that strengthen families across the state. As Chair of the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, she has championed increased funding for NIH Down syndrome research and is a cosponsor of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act (S. 1838), reinforcing her commitment to improving health outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome.
Growing up in Glen Dale and raising her family in Charleston, she knows every corner of the Mountain State — from the Ohio River to the Eastern Panhandle. Inspired by her father, Governor Arch Moore Jr., and his commitment to strengthening West Virginia’s infrastructure, economy, and health care delivery system, she has carried that same results-driven mindset into her public service.
Capito began her career working as a college counselor and advisor at West Virginia State College (now University), where she supported many first-generation college students. She later served as director of the Educational Information Center for the West Virginia Board of Regents.
After serving in the West Virginia House of Delegates, Capito was elected in 2000 to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she focused on expanding access to capital for rural communities and strengthening transportation infrastructure. Following seven terms in the House, she was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first female Senator in West Virginia history.
She and her husband, Charlie, are proud parents of Charles, Moore, and Shelley, and grandparents of Celia, Charlie, Eliza, Rose, Arch, Macaulay, Lewis, Thomas, and Holt.
Paul Tonko
2026 Quincy Jones Advocacy Awardee
Congressman Paul Tonko, who has represented New York’s 20th congressional district since 2009, is a longtime friend and supporter of the Down syndrome community. He is a senior member of the powerful House Energy and Commerce and Budget committees.
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Paul Tonko
2026 Quincy Jones Advocacy Awardee
Congressman Paul Tonko is a longtime friend and supporter of the Down syndrome community. He represents New York’s 20th Congressional District, which includes Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs, as well as all of Albany, Saratoga, and Schenectady Counties and parts of Rensselaer County. He is serving his ninth term in Congress, after being first elected in 2008.
Congressman Tonko serves on the influential Energy and Commerce Committee. He is the lead Democratic member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and serves on the Subcommittee on Energy, and Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations. He also serves on the powerful House Committee on the Budget and in the Democratic leadership as Deputy Whip for Policy that is responsible for coordinating and planning House Democratic Caucus’s policy actions.
From its inception, Tonko has been a leading advocate of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act, to authorize the INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE (INCLUDE) Project at the NIH. Since its launch in 2018, the NIH INCLUDE Project has awarded 575 unique Down syndrome research grants across 18 NIH institutes and currently supports more than 13 clinical trials. Named in memory of DeOndra Dixon, one of GLOBAL’s most beloved and accomplished self-advocates who tragically passed away in 2020 at the age of 36, the legislation honors her legacy and the lives of all individuals with Down syndrome.
With Tonko’s leadership and unwavering support, in 2024, the House passed the bill on September 17, following unanimous passage by the Energy and Commerce committee on March 20. The bill was included in a bipartisan health care package attached to the year-end funding package considered at the close of the 118th Congress in December of 2024. Unfortunately, the bipartisan health-related provisions were removed at the last minute. As a result, the work remains unfinished.
On May 19, 2025, the legislation (H.R. 3491) was reintroduced in the House. GLOBAL is working closely with Congressman Tonko and our bipartisan champions to secure final passage of this legislation in 2026.
2026 AcceptAbility Gala Special Guests
Thank You to Our 2026 Supporters
Top Billboard
ACT for NIH Foundation
AdvaMed
Familia ya Ashbrook
Avoq
Theresa Brogan & Family
Charter Communications
David Egan na Familia
The Emry Family
Natalie & Guy Harrison
Highland Electric Fleets
Koch Government Affairs
Mastercard
Mikakati ya Simulizi
OnMessage, Inc.
The Stephens Family
The Thielman Family
Valero
Visa
Brian & Natasha Walsh
Familia ya Whitten
Williams & Jensen
Silver
Anna & John J. Sie Foundation
NCTA – The Internet & Television Association
Pfizer
Steampunk
Platinum
Kearney & Company
PhRMA
Gold
Altria
American Express
Intuit
Kroger
Familia ya Mullen
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Rachel Platten
Emmy Award-winning multi-platinum artist; singer; songwriter
When the world first met Emmy Award-winning multi-platinum artist, singer, songwriter, Rachel Platten, it came in the form of a proclamation of self. An anthem for those who needed it and those who didn’t even know they needed it alike, “Fight Song” became a global sensation, an inescapable battle cry that’s now been streamed more than a billion times and is as inextricable to modern culture as any one song could be.
But “Fight Song” was just one song, oneself, and Rachel Platten had so much more to say, and so many more selves to show. These days, if you dive headfirst into Rachel’s rich and growing catalogue, your odds are as strong to land on a thundering anthem like her biggest hit as they are to hit a soul-searching, scar-bearing, lyrically textured stunner about motherhood, guilt, mourning, expectations, rebirth, mental health, and the support systems we all need to guide us through life’s most earth-shaking curveballs.
You’ll find all that and so much more on Rachel Platten’s most recent studio album I Am Rachel Platten, a body of work over five years in the making. I Am Rachel Platten is an artistic journey through life’s peaks and valleys. It’s a record about grief as much as it is using darkness to help better shape and contextualize the light. With songs written during sharply defined periods of her life – including the pregnancy and ensuing postpartum depression following the birth of her first daughter, Violet; as ways of searching for answers, relief, and hope throughout a prolonged mental health struggle during the pandemic; in response to her partner’s own fight to stay afloat while she was pregnant with their second daughter, Sophie; and, finally, on the other side of all that turmoil, with some clarity and hindsight to help her pick up all her pieces – Rachel felt ready to follow up 2017’s Waves with an unflinching and honest album that told her story truthfully and transparently, no matter how frightening that felt in the process of making it.
Beyond her music, Rachel has a big heart for GLOBAL and the differently-abled community. In 2020, she headlined GLOBAL’s virtual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, delivering powerful performances of “Fight Song” and “Better Place” in celebration of inclusion, empowerment, and hope.
GLOBAL is proud to present Rachel Platten as the entertainer for the 2026 AcceptAbility Gala!
Rachel Platten’s appearance arranged through Gotham Artists.
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Kyra Phillips
Gala Emcee; Award-winning Anchor/Correspondent, ABC News
Kyra Phillips is a correspondent and anchor for ABC News. She joined the network in April, 2018 and anchors "ABC News Live" every weekday 1 to 5pm Eastern (available on Hulu, Roku, YouTube, The ABC News App, and ABCNews.com).
Phillips created a school newspaper in the 4th grade, landing her first interview with Dr. Seuss. That was just the beginning. From covering war zones to the South Pole, and interviewing icons from U.S. Presidents to Mother Teresa, Phillips’ journalistic journey has been nothing but awe-inspiring.
An award-winning journalist, Phillips joined CNN in 1999 anchoring Live From, CNN Newsroom, American Morning, and moved to HLN in 2012 to anchor Raising America with Kyra Phillips, a daily interactive, investigative program that focused on news impacting the modern American family. She also led the network’s 2012 election coverage.
She has traveled the world to cover and investigate a wide range of breaking news, including four tours reporting in Iraq, first as an embedded journalist aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, then covering the war, and its effect on the Iraqi people. Her stories included the Baghdad School for the Blind, substance abuse within the Iraqi military, and an exclusive look inside Saddam Hussein's cell and his personal diary.
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John Roberts
Gala Emcee; Co-Anchor of “America Reports with John Roberts & Sandra Smith”, Fox News
John Roberts currently serves as the co-anchor of America Reports (weekdays, 1-3 PM/ET) on FOX News Channel (FNC). He joined the network from CNN as a senior national correspondent in January 2011, based in the Atlanta bureau.
On Inauguration Day 2025, Roberts contributed to the extensive live coverage from Washington, D.C. commentating on President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance being sworn into office. Additionally, Roberts reported live from Jerusalem surrounding the Israel-Hamas war.
Previously, Roberts served as FNC’s chief White House correspondent where he reported on the top headlines emanating out of the Trump administration. In this capacity, Roberts regularly attended White House briefings and covered the 2021 second impeachment of then-President Donald Trump. As chief White House correspondent, Roberts also traveled with the former president, providing live coverage from the 2019 North Korea-United States Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. He also contributed to FNC’s coverage of President Trump's 2018 Russia-United States Summit where the former president met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland. During that trip to Europe, Roberts also provided live coverage from the NATO Summit in Belgium as well as President Trump’s visits with UK Prime Minister Theresa May and Queen Elizabeth II. That year he also contributed live reports from the Singapore Summit between the United States and North Korea.
Prior to his role as chief White House correspondent, he covered the 2016 presidential election where he interviewed then-presidential candidates Donald Trump, Carly Fiorina, and Marco Rubio. Additionally, he has provided live coverage during numerous breaking news and political events, including the 2012 and 2016 presidential debates, Democratic and Republican National Conventions, as well as Hurricane Irene in 2011. In addition, Roberts covered the murder trial of real estate heir Robert Durst and the U.S. Ebola outbreak.
A native Canadian, Roberts secured an exclusive interview with embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford in 2013 surrounding allegations of his drinking and drug use. He also reported live from Moore, OK in the wake of the deadly EF5 tornado.
Prior to joining FNC, Roberts co-anchored CNN's American Morning from 2007 to 2010. Previously, he served as CNN's senior national correspondent and anchor of This Week at War, examining international wars, including those in Afghanistan and Iraq. Throughout his career, he has traveled internationally to report on major developing news, including Yugoslavia during the NATO bombing, the London bombings of July 2005 and the earthquakes in Turkey. Additionally, he has interviewed numerous prominent figures, including former presidents George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore, the late Yitzhak Rabin and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.
Before joining CNN in 2006, he spent more than 14 years with CBS News, during which he was the chief White House correspondent, chief medical correspondent and anchor of the weekend editions of the CBS Evening News and CBS Morning News. While there, he was embedded with the U.S. Marines during the war in Iraq and anchored the CBS Evening News coverage of Hurricane Katrina and the death of Pope John Paul II. From 1994-1995, Roberts anchored the evening news on WCBS-TV (CBS 2) in New York. Roberts began his career in Canada, where he worked as an anchor and correspondent for City TV in Toronto and also co-anchored CTV's morning news program, Canada A.M. from 1990-1992.
Over the course of his career, Roberts has been a recipient of several awards, including an Emmy, a New York Press Club award and three national Emmy Awards for his coverage of the Atlanta Olympic bombing, the death of Princess Diana and the TWA crash. Roberts also earned a National Headline Award for his coverage of the crisis along the Israeli-Lebanese border in 2006. He attended the University of Toronto at Mississauga.
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Caterina Scorsone
Award-Winning Actress
Caterina Scorsone is a Canadian American Actress who has garnered the attention of audiences around the world portraying powerfully complex characters that bring real-world emotion to the screen. Scorsone began acting when she was eight years old on the long running Canadian children’s program, Mr. Dressup.
Best known for playing the reckless, yet compelling “Dr. Amelia Shepherd” on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy (2010-present) and its hit spin-off Private Practice (2010-2013), Scorsone has cemented herself as a beloved staple of immensely successful medical dramas. In 2020, Scorsone guest starred as Dr. Shepherd on multiple episodes of Station 19, a new Grey’s spinoff set in a firehouse.
Scorsone has appeared in a number of films, including the 2014 action-thriller The November Man, opposite Pierce Brosnan, and the 2010 Martin Campbell crime-mystery Edge of Darkness. Prior to that, Scorsone found herself in Wonderland playing a grown-up, butt-kicking Alice for Syfy Network’s acclaimed 2009 miniseries of the same name. For her dynamic spin on one of literature’s most iconic characters, Scorsone earned a second Gemini nomination. Other credits spanning Scorsone’s body of work include a recurring role on STARZ’s drama series Crash starring Dennis Hopper, and the lead role of Jess Mastriani on W Network’s crime-drama 1-800-Missing from 2003-2006.
In recent years, Scorsone’s passion and purpose has been centered on her family, including her daughter, Pippa, who was born with Down syndrome. While raising Pippa, Scorsone has become an advocate for those with cognitive diversities and disabilities. The actress consistently uses her platform to promote greater understanding and awareness in an effort to end stigmas around Down syndrome and other disabilities and encourage greater access and inclusion.
A proud native of Toronto, Canada, she currently resides in Los Angeles with her three daughters.
GLOBAL is proud to welcome back Caterina Scorsone, the 2020 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award recipient
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Tracy Watkins
Colonel, United States Air Force (Retired), Partner at Kearney & Company
Tracy Watkins is a Partner at Kearney & Company and currently supports several programs across the Department of the Air Force and OUSW(C). Prior to joining Kearney, he was the Deputy Director, Budget Investment, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, Washington, D.C. and retired from Active Duty effective July 1, 2019 with 30+ years of service. He graduated from Arizona State University and received his commission through the University's Reserve Officer Training Corps program. His career spans a wide variety of command, headquarters, and staff assignments with two command tours at the squadron level. Additionally, he deployed to Southwest Asia on four different occasions in support of Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.
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John Hickenlooper
Senator
As Colorado’s U.S. Senator, John Hickenlooper brings people together to address our nation’s toughest problems — whether rebuilding a stronger, more resilient economy, lowering the costs of health care and prescription drugs, or combating climate change and protecting our public lands. He started his career in Colorado as a geologist before being laid off and opening the state’s first brewpub. After successfully running a small business, Hickenlooper was elected Mayor of Denver and then Governor of Colorado, where he served for two terms from 2011-2019 and helped the state become the number one economy in the nation.
As Colorado’s 42nd Governor, Hickenlooper signed into law several important pieces of legislation to help improve the lives for individuals and families living with Down syndrome. He has helped raise awareness of issues of importance to the Down syndrome community by hosting GLOBAL’s World Down Syndrome Day celebrations at the Colorado Capitol building and he regularly participated in many other important events like the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020, he continues his work to increase federal funding for Down syndrome research and expand access to medical care in Washington, D.C. Most recently, Senator Hickenlooper has partnered with fellow 2022 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy award winner Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) on a U.S. Senate resolution recognizing March as International Down Syndrome Awareness month.
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Richard Hudson
Representative
Richard Hudson has served in Congress since 2013, currently representing North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. In the 119th Congress, Rep. Hudson was re-elected by his colleagues to House Republican leadership. This position places Hudson as the fifth-ranking Member in Republican leadership and the highest-ranking Republican Member of Congress from North Carolina in history.
Rated the most effective legislator from North Carolina according to the Center for Effective Lawmaking, Rep. Hudson has also been named the 12th most conservative Member of the House by National Journal, demonstrating a commitment to delivering results without compromising principles.
In Congress, Rep. Hudson is dedicated to working across the aisle on solutions to support our military community, defend our Constitutional rights, create jobs, cut taxes, and improve our quality of life.
As a Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Rep. Hudson is committed to bridging the digital divide, streamlining federal regulations, making health care more affordable, and unleashing American energy to lower costs and create jobs in North Carolina. He has also led efforts to clean up chemicals in drinking water which impact our overall quality of life.
As the representative of the largest military base in the world, Rep. Hudson remains committed to supporting our active-duty military, veterans, and their families. Rep. Hudson has led legislation to ensure warfighters and Special Forces who are serving in combat receive the pay and tax relief they deserve, no matter where they see combat. He introduced bipartisan legislation to improve veterans’ access to health care and break up the bureaucracy at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Rep. Hudson also sponsored legislation to support wounded veteran caregivers and increase military family education and support.
Recognized as a national leader on defending the Second Amendment, Rep. Hudson authored H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, to ensure law-abiding citizens do not become criminals when crossing an invisible state line. He has earned an A+ from the NRA and is an avid hunter and outdoorsman who served as a co-chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. Rep. Hudson also continues to lead efforts in Congress to end gun violence and protect schools. As a Christian and father, Rep. Hudson defends the right to life and has consistently been awarded the “True Blue” award from the Family Research Council Action and a 100% rating from National Right to Life.
Richard grew up in Charlotte, graduated from Myers Park High School, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, while serving as Student Body President. His past volunteer leadership service includes membership on the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Board of Trustees, Board of Governors of the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association, Board of Managers of the West Cabarrus YMCA, and Board of Directors of the Cabarrus Jaycees.
Richard, his wife Renee, and their son reside in Southern Pines.
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Young Kim
Representative
Congresswoman Young Kim is proud to represent California’s 40th District, which includes parts of Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
An immigrant, small business owner, community leader, mother, grandmother, and one of the first Korean American women ever to serve in Congress, Young is proud to represent California’s 40th District and work to help all Americans have the chance to achieve their dream just like she did.
In the 119th Congress, Young continues to serve on the House Financial Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee, where she is Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific. She also serves on the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
Young is consistently ranked among the most bipartisan and effective members of Congress, with nearly 40 bills through the House and over a dozen signed into law.
Young and her husband Charles live in Anaheim Hills and are the proud parents of Christine, Kelly, Alvin, and Hannah and grandparents of Mia and Caleb.
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Tim Moore
Representative
Congressman Tim Moore represents North Carolina's 14th Congressional District and is a member of the House Committees on Financial Services and the Budget.
He previously served as Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives for a decade, driving transformative policies in the state – championing infrastructure development, education reform, and job creation. Under his stewardship, the North Carolina House achieved record economic growth, including attracting significant industries to the state and streamlining government operations to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
In Congress, Representative Moore represents one of the country's largest financial centers and continues to champion policies that foster economic growth, strengthen financial accountability, and support hardworking families in Western North Carolina.
A lifelong resident of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, Tim earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1992 and his Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1995. After passing the North Carolina Bar Exam, Tim returned to Cleveland County where he has been practicing law for the length of his career.
He lives in Kings Mountain and is the father of two sons, McRae and Wilson.
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Chuck Todd
Host, The Chuck ToddCast & Former Moderator of Meet the Press
Chuck Todd is one of America’s foremost experts on American Politics. A seasoned
political journalist and analyst known for his sharp insight and passion for American
politics, he is currently the host of The ChuckToddCast, a thrice-weekly podcast offering
in-depth interviews with political figures, experts, and thought leaders. Todd’s expert
analysis and timely commentary provide a comprehensive view of the political landscape,
reaching audiences who seek a deeper understanding of current events.
A six-time Emmy® Award-winner, Todd was NBC News’s chief Political Analyst and
served as the moderator of Meet the Press, the longest-running broadcast in television
history, from 2014 to 2023. During his tenure, Meet the Press became the number-one-rated
Sunday public affairs program for several years, secured its first Emmy®, and expanded the
brand beyond its single weekly show, with Todd’s steady, incisive reporting making him a
key voice in American political journalism.
Todd’s role in shaping NBC News’ political coverage extended to his daily hosting of Meet
the Press NOW, which he launched in June 2022. This program, broadcast on NBC News
NOW, brought the insightful analysis of Meet the Press to a digital-first audience, expanding
the brand’s reach in a rapidly evolving media landscape. He also led Meet the Press Reports,
a seasonal deep-dive show, and continued to host The Chuck ToddCast, where he engages in
thought-provoking conversations on politics, policy, and culture.
Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of politics, Todd’s analysis has earned him the
reputation as one of the most trusted voices in American media. He has co-moderated
multiple high-profile presidential debates, including the historic 2019 and 2020 Democratic
debates, which set viewership records. In addition, his reporting on the 2020 election made
him a pivotal figure in the national political conversation.
Previously, Todd served as NBC News’s chief White House Correspondent from 2008 to
2014, traveling to cover 25 countries, covering the Obama administration, and hosting The
Daily Rundown on MSNBC. In 2007, he joined NBC News as Political Director after 15
years at The Hotline, where he served as editor-in-chief.
Todd is the author of two books: How Barack Obama Won, co-authored in 2009, and The
Stranger: Barack Obama in the White House, released in 2014. His expertise has been
recognized by GQ, which named him “The Most Powerful Journalist in Washington” in
2012. He is a frequent contributor to top publications, including The New York Times, The
Washington Post, and The Atlantic, where he’s still a contributing editor.
Todd was also the founding managing editor for The Sports Business Daily in 1994, now
known as The Sports Business Journal.
Currently, Todd is focused on his new ventures, including The ChuckToddCast and his role
as Head of Politics & Host of “Sunday Night with Chuck Todd" for the Noosphere App,
where he aims to continue his legacy of delivering impactful political analysis and fostering
engaging conversations with leaders shaping the future of American politics. He is also the
inaugural Scholar-in-Residence for The University of Southern California’s Capital
Campus, in Washington, D.C..
Todd’s accolades include multiple Emmy wins, recognition as one of Washingtonian
journalists, and honorary doctorates from institutions like The George Washington
University (his Alma mater), Marist College, and Marymount University. A native of
Miami, he resides in Arlington, V A, with his wife, Kristian, and their two children.
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Autria Godfrey
Emmy Award-winning News Anchor & Podcast Host, Agents of Tech
Autria Godfrey is a 3-time Emmy® Award-winning news anchor with more than a decade of reporting and anchoring experience at both the local and national level.
She got her start in Charlottesville, VA where she was weekend anchor, reporter, and eventually morning anchor. After moving to Washington, Autria worked at Fox News Channel, CBS Newspath, and eventually Tribune Broadcasting as the White House and Congressional correspondent for the DC Bureau.
In 2011, Autria joined WJLA as a reporter and weekend anchor, and spent the last 8 years as the morning anchor of Good Morning Washington. In 2019, she traded her 3am alarm clock for 3am feedings as she left news to welcome her older daughter Eliza.
Autria has covered both President Obama's and President Trump's inaugurations, has traveled to Nashville to report live from the Country Music Awards, and field-anchored live continuous coverage of Pope Francis's visit to Washington DC.
Since transitioning out of traditional broadcast news, Autria now produces and anchors Conference TV for various medical, space, and scientific conferences. She also currently hosts a podcast focused on all things Artificial Intelligence. Autria and her husband Paul Lindsay live with their two daughters in Arlington, VA.
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Frank Stephens
Author, Actor & Advocate
John Franklin Stephens, a member of the GLOBAL Board of Directors, lives with a thought from Mahatma Gandhi foremost in his mind -- “My life is my message.” That thought is at the heart of Frank’s statement, “I am a man with Down syndrome, and my life is worth living.” Frank describes himself as an Actor, Author, Advocate and truly is all of those. He has worked in feature films, the New York stage, and television. He has written op-ed pieces published all over the world. He is an articulate advocate who, following his historic address to the U.S. Congress on behalf of GLOBAL, logged over 70,000 miles, in one year alone, addressing audiences large and small in places such as Geneva, Paris, London, Sydney, New York, and Los Angeles. Frank is especially proud to be a past recipient of the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award.
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Erin Kitabu Mullen
Principal, Williams & Jensen, PLLC
Erin Book Mullen has been a Principal at Williams & Jensen since 2016 and has over 20 years of experience in legislative, regulatory, and public policy advocacy at the federal level. She has represented a diverse range of clients across multiple practice areas before Congress and the Administration, developing and executing comprehensive legislative strategies; organizing and managing coalitions; and facilitating communications with policymakers and grassroots contacts. Erin has developed strong relationships with House and Senate Leadership, key committees, as well as Members of Congress and staff. She is proud to represent GLOBAL in Washington, DC and serve as the AcceptAbility Gala Board Chair in honor of her daughter CC, who has Down syndrome. Ms. Mullen also serves on the Board of Directors for A Purposeful Day and is an ambassador for Hope Story. She lives in Arlington, VA with her husband and three daughters.
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David Egan
Author, Advocate & Speaker
David Egan is an eager advocate and leader who promotes the causes of people with Down syndrome. He has received many awards throughout his career, including GLOBAL’s highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. He worked for over two decades in various competitive employment positions from a clerk in the distribution center with Booz Allen Hamilton and CBRE to a community relations coordinator with SourceAmerica. He is the first person with Down syndrome to serve as a Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Public Policy Fellow on Capitol Hill. A Special Olympics athlete and International Global Messenger, he has traveled extensively. He is an active participant in NIH research projects and represents individuals with Down syndrome on the NIH Consortium. He testified about employment at the Senate HELP Committee, spoke twice at the United Nations about Human Rights and Health issues. He briefed the NIH/NICHD Advisory Council and was instrumental in the creation of a Down syndrome Health Registry. He is the author of “More Alike Than Different: My Life With Down Syndrome.” He inspires his audience to see our shared humanity and possibilities rather than limitations. David has served on several boards and currently serves on the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia, Melwood, and the CEO Commission for Disability Employment.
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Pete Stauber
Representative
Congressman Pete Stauber is a Duluth native, currently serving his fourth term in Congress as the Representative from Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District. Congressman Stauber believes that Northern Minnesota deserves strong, principled leadership in Washington, D.C. and is focused on unleashing the economic engine in the region.
Congressman Stauber currently serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Small Business Committee, and Natural Resources Committee. On the Natural Resources Committee, Congressman Stauber serves as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, where he remains committed to maintaining American energy independence and ending reliance on foreign minerals.
Congressman Stauber has a remarkable record of public service. Prior to his time in Congress, Stauber worked as a St. Louis County Commissioner, City Councilor in Hermantown, and Duluth police officer for over two decades.
During his tenure as a police officer, Stauber was the victim of two violent gun crimes. In 1995, he was shot in the head while off-duty by a criminal with multiple past offenses. A few years later, a suspect pulled the trigger at point blank range, and by the grace of God, the gun malfunctioned. His experience as a police officer solidified his view that more must be done to support law enforcement and create safer communities.
Congressman Stauber graduated from Denfeld High School and received a scholarship to play hockey at Lake Superior State University. During his sophomore year, Stauber became team captain and led the Lakers to a Division 1 National Championship. Following college graduation, he went on to play hockey with the Detroit Red Wings Organization.
Congressman Stauber lives in Hermantown with his wife Jodi, an Iraq War veteran and the first female Command Chief of the 148th Fighter Wing. Together, they are the proud parents of six children: Levi, Luke, Isaac, Addilynn, Theo and Genevieve.
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Barry Moore
Representative
Born and raised on a family farm in Coffee County, Alabama, Barry Moore is a veteran, small business owner, and former member of the Alabama State House.
After high school, Barry joined the Alabama National Guard and Reserves, serving for six years. During that time, he also pursued a degree in Agricultural Science at Auburn University, and joined the Auburn ROTC Army Ranger Challenge Team.
Barry's first job out of college was in the animal pharmaceutical industry, but Barry returned to his hometown of Enterprise to start Hopper-Moore Inc., an industrial waste hauling company, which has also been an Alabama general contractor for more than two decades.
In 2010, Barry was recruited to run for the Alabama State House to represent District 91 and served for eight years, including as Chairman of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and Vice-Chair of the Small Business and Commerce Committee.
Barry’s Congressional office was selected as the winner for the outstanding achievement of the Congressional Management Foundation's "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment award and was nominated for the Constituent Accountability & Accessibility award in 2023.
Barry and his wife and business partner, Heather, are the proud parents of four children - Jeremy (married to Brittany), Kathleen (married to 1LT Jack Whitfield), Claudia, and Jeb. They are active members of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Enterprise.
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Brett Guthrie
Representative
Congressman Brett Guthrie represents Kentucky's Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Second District is the home of the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, Mammoth Cave National Park, and Fort Knox.
Guthrie was recognized for his leadership and was elected by his colleague to serve as the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 119th Congress. The Energy and Commerce Committee is the oldest standing legislative committee in the House with broad jurisdiction over our nation’s energy, the environment, health care, telecommunications, and consumer product safety policies.
Recognized for his proven leadership, Guthrie has served as a Deputy Whip within the House Republican Conference for three terms.
Guthrie graduated in 1987 from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and went on to serve as a Field Artillery Officer in the 101st Airborne Division – Air Assault at Fort Campbell. Guthrie later earned a Master's Degree from Yale University in Public and Private Management.
Following his military service, he joined Trace Die Cast, the Bowling Green, Ky., based manufacturing business that was started by his father.
First elected to public office in 1998, Guthrie represented the 32nd District in the Kentucky Senate until being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008.
Married to the former Beth Clemmons, they have three children, Caroline, Robby and Elizabeth. Brett and Beth are also the proud grandparents of Rowan and Laine, daughters of Caroline and her husband Ryan, and Oliver, son of Robby and his wife Jessica.
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Kuhusu Global Down Syndrome Foundation
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is the largest non-profit in the U.S. working to save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL has donated more than $32 million to establish the first Down syndrome research institute supporting over 400 scientists and over 2,700 patients with Down syndrome from 40 states and 11 countries. Working closely with Congress and the National Institutes of Health, GLOBAL is the lead advocacy organization in the U.S. for Down syndrome research and medical care. GLOBAL has a membership of over 110 Down syndrome organizations worldwide and is part of a network of Affiliates – the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, and the University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center – all on the Anschutz Medical Campus.
Machapisho ya matibabu yanayosambazwa sana ya GLOBAL ni pamoja na Mwongozo wa GLOBAL wa Huduma ya Kimatibabu kwa Watu Wazima wenye Ugonjwa wa Kupungua, Upimaji wa kabla ya kuzaa na Habari kuhusu Down Syndrome, na mshindi wa tuzo Ulimwengu wa Down SyndromeTM gazeti. GLOBAL pia inaandaa Kuwa Mrembo Uwe Mwenyewe Onyesho la Mitindo, mchangishaji mkubwa zaidi wa ugonjwa wa Down ulimwenguni. Tembelea globaldownsyndrome.org na utufuate kwenye mitandao ya kijamii (Facebook & Twitter: @GDSFoundation, Instagram: @globaldownsyndrome).
Kwa kusajili, kuhudhuria, au kutazama wakati wowote tukio la Kukubalika la Global Down Syndrome Foundation (“Msingi”) wa Gala ya Kukubalika, au nakala zozote, kazi zinazotokana, au maudhui yake yanayohusiana (“Tukio”), unakubali kufungwa na masharti yafuatayo. Unakubali kwamba Tukio hili linaweza kuwa na maelezo yaliyo na hakimiliki, alama ya biashara au umiliki au maudhui yanayolindwa na haki miliki au sheria nyinginezo. Unakubali kutochochea, kudumisha, au kuidhinisha hatua yoyote, madai, au kesi dhidi ya Foundation, au mtu mwingine yeyote, kwa misingi kwamba Tukio linakiuka haki zozote za uvumbuzi au sheria zinazohusiana. The Foundation haitoi dhamana yoyote ya wazi au inayodokezwa, ridhaa, au uwakilishi wowote kuhusu Tukio au maudhui yake. Unakubali kwamba Foundation haitawajibikia uharibifu wowote wa moja kwa moja, usio wa moja kwa moja, wa bahati nasibu, wa matokeo au wa mfano utakaotokana moja kwa moja au isivyo moja kwa moja na Tukio. Kwa hivyo unaipa Chemchemi haki ya kurekodi, filamu, kutiririsha moja kwa moja, kupiga picha, au kunasa mfano wako katika media yoyote inayohusiana na Tukio na kusambaza, kutangaza, au kutumia midia bila idhini yoyote zaidi au fidia kwako. Unakubali kutorekodi, kutangaza tena, kuchapisha tena, kusambaza tena, au kutoa tena Tukio, maudhui yake yoyote, au sehemu yake yoyote bila idhini ya maandishi ya Foundation. Ushiriki wowote wa umma, ugawaji upya, au unakilishwaji wa Tukio au sehemu yake yoyote kwa namna yoyote ni marufuku kabisa bila idhini ya maandishi ya Foundation. The Foundation inakusudia kutafuta suluhu zozote na zote zinazopatikana kwake chini ya sheria au usawa katika kukabiliana na ukiukaji wowote wa masharti haya.
ROSA DELAURO NA TOM COLE GLOBAL ADVANCEMENT AWARDS
NAFASI ZA UDHAMINI
SPONSORSHIP PLEDGE FORM
2026 CHAIR
Tracy Watkins
Colonel, United States Air Force (Retired), Partner at Kearney & Company
2026 GALA BOARD CHAIR
Erin Kitabu Mullen
Mkuu, Williams & Jensen, PLLC
2026 GALA BOARD
Jan Adams
Mwanzilishi & Mkurugenzi Mtendaji, JMA Solutions
John Ashbrook
Mshirika Mwanzilishi, Cavalry LLC
Kevin Brennan
Mkuu, Mikakati ya Bluebird
Pat DiFrancesco
Vice President, Advanced Advocacy
Emilie hamu
Director of Business Development, Julie Parker Communications
David Egan
Author, Advocate & Speaker
Felicia Emry,
Life Skills Director, Heaven on Earth NOW
Autria Godfrey
Emmy Award-winning News Anchor & Podcast Host, Agents of Tech
Natalie Farr Harrison
SVP, Government Relations, Avoq
Guy Harrison
Partner, OnMessage, Inc.
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Deputy Vice President, Advocacy and Strategic Alliances, PhRMA
Mathayo Perin
Vice President, Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, Kroger
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Sr. Vice President & Chief, Government Relations, NCTA
Julie Riccio
Mkurugenzi, Masuala ya Udhibiti na Sera ya Umma, PwC
Frank Stephens
Author, Actor & Advocate
Richard Waysdorf
Legal Consultant, Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Amy Best Weiss
Executive Vice President, Global Government Affairs, American Express
Michelle Sie Whitten
President & CEO, Global Down Syndrome Foundation
2026 CONGRESSIONAL HOSTS
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Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton
2026 HONORARY CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
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2026 EXCLUSIVE ENTERTAINMENT
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Familia ya Whitten
KUKUBALIKA GALA MEDIA
Bonyeza Anwani:
Shawn Flaherty
Barua pepe: shawn_flaherty@creativestratpr.com
Kiini: 703-554-3609
Simu ya Anca Elena
Barua pepe: acall@globaldownsyndrome.org
Kiini: 720-320-3832
Bipartisan Congressional Members & Celebrities to Champion Down Syndrome Research in DC
Join Headliners Phillip Phillips & Tucker Emry at GLOBAL’S AcceptAbility Gala in DC!
CELEBS NA CONGRESS HATUA KWA WATU WENYE DOWN SYNDROME HUKO DC!
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