2020 Celebrities

A Golden Touch—A Golden Heart. Reading the biographies of icon Quincy Jones— musician, composer, producer, arranger, conductor— it would seem that everything Quincy Jones touches turns into gold (or at least platinum). Named by Time Magazine as one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century, Quincy has received 28 Grammys and an entertainment industry record of 80 nominations. For three famously productive years, he was Frank Sinatra’s conductor and arranger producing, amongst others, the arrangement “Fly Me to The Moon” — the first music played on the moon in 1969 by astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Quincy went on to produce Michael Jackson’s multi-platinum solo albums Off the Wall, Bad, and Thriller (the best-selling album of all time).

Born in New York City and raised in Massachusetts, Rachel Platten is an Emmy Award winner, Author, and multi-platinum selling recording artist. Few artists in the past decade have struck a chord of hope and resilience like Rachel did with her empowering hit, “Fight Song.” Listeners instantly adopted the transformative anthem as their own, linking fans’ tales of empowerment across the globe.

Phillip Phillips is an American singer-songwriter and actor who won the eleventh season of American Idol in 2012. Growing up in Leesburg, Georgia, Phillips first picked up guitar at age 14 and soon mastered riffs from classic-rock tracks like Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” (mostly by playing along to his family’s karaoke machine). He also took up singing and songwriting as a teenager, in addition to forming an acoustic band with his older sister and brother-in-law. While studying at Albany Technical College in Georgia, Phillips continued playing music with his brother-in-law, landing gigs in nearby college towns and at festivals. With encouragement from his family and friends, he took a break from working in his family’s pawn shop and auditioned for American Idol emerging as the winner. Premiering the same day he claimed his victory, “Home,” marked the most successful coronation song of any Idol winner and the highest-ever debut on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart.

Isaac Slade is an American musician and the lead singer of the Denver-based, Grammy nominated rock band, The Fray. Isaac discovered a love for music at an early age and began writing his own songs in high school and received a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Colorado, Denver. In 2002, he formed the band, The Fray, with some friends from high school, and they achieved mainstream success with the release of their 2005 double-platinum debut album, “How to Save a Life.” The band’s subsequent self-titled album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 in 2009. The Fray has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Vocal Album in 2010.

Describing The Ransom Notes’ sound in a single word is an impossible task. Schooled in the precision of classical music and steeped in homegrown tradition, The Ransom Notes epitomize the phrase “best of both worlds”. Drawing inspiration from genres such as folk, Americana, bluegrass, and Celtic fiddling, this eclectic group has enthralled audiences for nearly two decades. The band never fails to amaze with its exceptional talent on a multitude of different instruments including fiddle, cello, mandolin, guitar, banjo, and dobro. In addition to instrumental prowess, The Ransom Notes inspire audiences with soulful vocals that are considered by many to be one of the best features of this talented ensemble.

Jamie Foxx is an Academy and Grammy award-winning actor, musician, and comedian. He was born to Eric Bishop and raised by his grandparents in Terrell, Texas. He got his start in showbiz in 1989 when he tried his hand at an open mic night, under the stage name “Foxx.” After spending time on the comedy circuit, he joined Keenan Ivory Wayans, Jim Carrey, and Damon Wayans in the landmark Fox sketch comedy series “In Living Color.”

A loving tribute to GLOBAL Ambassador DeOndra Dixon

DeOndra was Global’s inaugural Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award recipient and a Global Ambassador since 2011. DeOndra lived in California with her brother, Jamie Foxx, her parents and extended family. DeOndra was very grateful her family for helping her her reach her potential and in turn she helped others with Down syndrome do the same.

Marián Ávila is a Spanish model that in 2018 made her dream come true by walking the New York Fashion Week. She stands out for her responsibility, willpower and her determination to improve, to achieve her goals, her dreams. Her motto is: “I can”. Recently, she has participated in the ad campaign I am perfect to me from the international brand Levi’s. Moreover, she has appeared in the global campaign of the 2020 edition of de Valmont Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, as well as, the runway of Ibiza Inclusión Fashion Day.

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.

While an understudy in New York in the Circle-In-The-Square production of John Patrick Shanley’s “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea,” John C. McGinley was spotted by director Oliver Stone and soon after was cast in “Platoon,” the first of a long list of collaborations between Stone and McGinley which includes “Wall Street,” “Talk Radio,” “Born on the Fourth of July,” “Nixon” and “Any Given Sunday.”

Karen Gaffney is a Global Down Syndrome Foundation Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award recipient and the President of the Karen Gaffney Foundation. Her non-profit, funded entirely by Gaffney’s speaking engagements, workshops, and donations, is dedicated to championing the journey to full inclusion in families, schools, the workplace, and the community for people with intellectual disabilities.

Zachary Robin Gottsagen, “Zack,” was born in New York City and moved to Palm Beach County, Florida before his first birthday. He was the first child with Down syndrome to be fully included in the School District of Palm Beach County. Zack was also involved in one of the first American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) litigation represented by the ACLU against Little League, resulting in mandatory training of all coaches and assistant coaches in including children with disabilities nationwide.

Jeff Probst is a five-time Emmy Award winner. Four for “Outstanding Reality Host” and one more when Survivor won the first ever Outstanding Non-Fiction Program (Special Class) award in 2001. He has traveled the world serving as both host and executive producer for SURVIVOR. This past spring, SURVIVOR completed its 40th season and the series celebrated 20 years.

Beverly Johnson is a Founder, Chairwoman and CEO of BJE LLC. Beverly’s “Vision” is to build BJE (aka Beverly Johnson Enterprises) into a global brand around The Beverly Johnson Luxurious Lifestyle Brand that represents the “highest quality” luxurious products in Fashion, Beauty and Media Industries to the global Multi-Cultural market for women of ALL colors.

Madeline’s modelling career began five years ago when she attended her first photo shoot and then posted the photos to a public figure Facebook page with the help of her mother Rosanne Stuart and they clearly spoke for themselves, overnight the post went viral. Madeline’s social media numbers grew, the photo was viewed over 7.2 million times which resulted in her hitting global headlines with publications in Iceland, Germany, the US, Australia, Mexico, Cuba and the UK picking up her story. Within weeks Madeline was receiving offers to model and walk at the world’s most prestigious fashion events.

Frank Stephens is an active spokesman for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and a member of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics Virginia. As a member of his local theater group known as Artstream, Frank has acted in various original plays for the last ten years. Frank also had a feature role in the film Touched by Grace, and recently signed with a Hollywood-based talent agency. Frank has also made an occasional guest appearance on the Emmy Award winning A&E reality Show Born This Way.

Matt Dillon’s successful film career has spanned over three decades and has showcased his wide range of dramatic and comedic talents. Dillon displayed his versatility with an arresting performance co-starring as a racist cop in the critically acclaimed Paul Haggis film “Crash,” which earned him nominations for an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, Critics Choice Award, BAFTA Award and won him an Independent Spirit Award. In addition, the film earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Critics Choice Award for Best Ensemble.

Amanda Booth is an American supermodel and actress. She has worked on fashion editorials for Italian Vogue, Australian Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle and appeared in advertising campaigns for Lancome, Fiat, Hershey’s, Target, Old Navy, and more. She has been featured on network television shows including “Hot in Cleveland,” “Maron,” and “Community.”

Brad Hennefer is a 31-year-old self-advocate who is the inspiration behind the Brad Hennefer Golf for Life Foundation (www.golfforlife.org) that has been providing golf athletic opportunities for individuals who have Down syndrome since 2006. Born in 1988 in Philadelphia, Brad seems to have been destined to play “golf for life.” He started playing mini golf at age 2 with his 7-year-old brother Bob, who is now an accomplished PGA golf professional. Brad, who is a lefty, was somehow able to maximize his visual learning skills and master his brother’s right-handed golf swing at a very early age.

Jamie Brewer is an award-winning actress, a model, and an activist. She is best known for her roles in the award-winning anthology TV series “American Horror Story,” created by Ryan Murphy on FX. Her first role on American Horror Story: Murder House was playing the role of Adelaide “Addie” Langdon. In Season 3 “Coven,” she played the lead role as “Nan.” In Season 4 “Freakshow,” she played “Marjorie,” opposite Neil Patrick Harris. In Season 7 “Cult,” Brewer played “Heather” opposite Lena Dunham.

Born in Mamaroneck, New York, Dillon was known for playing tough guys and bad boys early in his career. His first major role was Rooney, the bully in the brilliant (though much understated) film Heaven Help Us, directed by Michael Dinner.

Award-winning television and film actor Eric Dane has been a fan-favorite since his television roles in the 2000s. Dane is best known for his role as the hunky “Dr. Mark ‘McSteamy’ Sloan” in ABC’s critically-acclaimed, Golden Globe-award-winning, and Emmy-nominated tv series Grey’s Anatomy. Dane appeared in 138 episodes of the show. Along with his costars, Dane won the Satellite Award for Best Cast and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. Currently, Dane can be seen in the HBO drama series Euphoria starring as “Cal Jacobs” alongside award-winning actress Zendaya.

39-year-old Sujeet Desai is an accomplished musician who happens to have Down syndrome. He has mastered seven instruments, including Bb and bass clarinet, alto saxophone, violin, trumpet, piano and drums. In 1998, when Sujeet started to share his musical talents with his friends, family and community, the overwhelming positive response from his audience led to his decision to make music his career.

A tv personality, public speaker, artist, and entrepreneur, Megan Bomgaars is a leader in the Down syndrome community. The 27-year-old stars on A&E’s reality television show Born This Way, which features 7 adults with Down syndrome navigating through life in pursuit of their dreams. To date, the show has several awards, including three Emmy Awards and two Critics’ Choice Real TV Awards. Megan was recognized by the A&E producers while giving a keynote presentation at the NDSC Annual Convention in 2015 and invited to participate in the show.

As a motivational and inspirational speaker, Tim has traveled the globe to spread his message of love and hope for our world. In these difficult times for our planet, Tim’s message is more vitally important than ever.

Kyra Phillips is an award-winning journalist, author, and news anchor. She is currently an Investigative Correspondent for ABC News. Prior to that, Philips anchored “Raising America with Kyra Phillips” on HLN, and anchored various shows on CNN. She has traveled the world to cover and investigate a wide range of breaking news, including four tours reporting in Iraq.

John Roberts joined Fox News Channel as a senior national correspondent based in the Atlanta bureau in January of 2011. Before joining FNC, Roberts co-anchored CNN’s “American Morning.” Previously, he served as CNN’s senior national correspondent and anchor of “This Week at War.” Roberts has provided live coverage during numerous breaking news and political events, including presidential debates, the Democratic and Republican national conventions and the war in Iraq. 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.” Roberts is a GLOBAL supporter and has been an emcee for Global’s AcceptAbility Gala for multiple years.

Born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, Ronnie DeVoe Jr. is recognized globally as R&B royalty. He is a member of the supergroups New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe. Beginning his career as a child, DeVoe’s musical legacy began in 1982 with the release of New Edition’s hit single, Candy Girl. Rated by the industry’s toughest and most respected critics, the single received a coveted 4-star rating from Billboard.

Born in Detroit and raised in Atlanta, Shamari DeVoe is a modern-day renaissance woman. She is a devoted wife, mother to twin boys, a thriving business woman, chart topping singer, and most recently a star of Bravo TV’s Real Housewives of Atlanta. Her entertainment career has spanned more than 20 years and has included 3 albums, several album features, musical stage performances, acting and writing. She first stepped onto the limelight as 1/3 of the chart-topping R&B-Pop trio Blaque.

Kevin Quinn will soon be seen starring in the Netflix musical feature A WEEK AWAY and was recently seen in HUBIE HALLOWEEN starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James and Steve Buscemi for director Steven Brill for Netflix. Quinn starred in Disney Channel’s half hour comedy BUNK’D, recurred on NBC’s CHAMPIONS as well as appearances on SHAMELESS and CHICAGO P.D. Kevin’s feature credits include starring roles in the action sports feature SEND IT, playing Kristin Chenoweth’s son in the upcoming holiday feature A CHRISTMAS LOVE STORY and playing high school senior Brian Sudermill in CANAL STREET. Getting his start on stage, Quinn has been seen in local Chicago productions of “Lord of the Flies,” “Henry V,” “Good News,” “My Fair Lady,” “Working,” and “The Pirates of Penzance” as well as starring in “Peter Pan” at the Pasadena Playhouse. Between his busy acting schedule, Quinn has made time to explore and develop his musical talents, working with a host of writers and producers in Los Angeles and Nashville. Growing up, he was a passionate advocate of servicing the social and educational needs of autistic children for his community, often giving public speeches and speaking on their behalf. We are proud to announce Kevin Quinn as part of our celebrity line-up for GLOBAL’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show.

Rose Abdoo is an American actress and comedian, best known for her roles in Netflix’s “Gypsy,” “Gilmore Girls,” and Disney Channel’s “That’s So Raven.” She is a recipient of L.A. Weekly’s Female Solo Performer of the Year Award. Abdoo’s career started in Chicago, performing at various improvisational theaters including the Improv Institute and The Second City. She went on to develop her own one-woman shows: “Who Does She Think She Is?” and “Get to the Part About Me.” She currently appears in a recurring role on the ABC comedy “Bless This Mess” and just finished the film “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” alongside Kristen Wiig, which will be released in 2021. Abdoo’s television appearances include “2 Broke Girls,” “Psych,” “Shameless,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and more. Her film roles include “The Guilt Trip” with Barbra Streisand, “My Best Friend’s Wedding” with Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz, and George Clooney’s Oscar-nominated “Good Night & Good Luck.” She also co-starred in the web-series Crackle. Abdoo has been the voice of many characters, including roles in “Hotel Transylvania” (1 and 2) and the new “Madagascar “series. We are proud to have her support the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

Von Miller is in his eighth season with the Denver Broncos and has already established himself as one of the greatest defensive players in franchise history. The six-time Pro Bowl linebacker and Super Bowl 50 MVP has posted the most sacks in the NFL since he was drafted by the Broncos with the No. 2 overall selection in 2011 from Texas A&M University. In addition to being among the most feared defensive players in the game, Miller is a two-time team captain and has shown an incredible passion for giving back to his community.

Justin Simmons, a rising NFL star as a safety for the Denver Broncos, has established himself as a foundational piece of the Broncos’ defense and its famed “No Fly Zone.” Since being drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Boston College, Simmons has posted multiple interceptions, sacks and blocked kicks in addition to ranking among the top tacklers on the team. A standout on the field, Simmons is also one of the most recognizable Broncos players in the community, having received the team’s Community Ambassador Award in 2017. In addition to being a regular participant in the Broncos’ High School game of the Week visits, Simmons has been a leader for the team’s relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, including speaking at its annual graduation ceremony and spending time at the Broncos’ branch during his free time. Global is excited to partner with Justin Simmons for this incredible event celebrating a brighter future for people with Down Syndrome.

Jake Butt is in his fourth year with the Denver Broncos following an impressive college career as a tight end. A native of Ohio, Butt attended Pickerington North High School, where he hauled in 68 receptions for 907 yards with 12 touchdowns as a senior. He received the AP Division I All-Ohio first-team recognition as a senior. Butt went on to play at the University of Michigan, where he finished his career as the program’s record holder for a tight end in receptions (138) and receiving yards (1,646). Butt won the John Mackey Award celebrating the nation’s top tight end following his senior year where he had 46 catches for 546 yards with 4 touchdowns and earned consensus All-American honors in addition to being named to the Big-10 Conference First Team. Butt also received the Ozzie Newsome Award and was named the Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year in 2015 and 2016. Butt was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft and the eighth tight end selected. GLOBAL is excited to welcome Butt to his first Fashion Show!

Harrison Foster Phillips, nicknamed “Horrible Harry,” is an American football defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted in the third round of the 2018 National Football League (NFL) draft. He is a native of Omaha, Nebraska, home of many GLOBAL supporters, including GLOBAL’s 2020 Ambassador, Walt Snodgrass, and Fashion Show Chairs and longtime friends of Phillips, Jill and Louis III Rotella.

One of the prized products of FC Dallas’ prolific soccer academy, Acosta logged three full seasons as a professional before his 21st birthday. A longtime U.S. youth international, the Homegrown is a rangy, two-footed player most valuable in midfield though he has experience as a fullback. After a down 12 months, Acosta was traded to the Colorado Rapids the day before his 23rd birthday. He started all 12 matches he appeared in with the Rapids in 2018, with two goals and three assists. In 2019, Acosta logged 2619 minutes, the most of his career, while accounting for 2 goals and 2 assist being implemented in a box to box midfield role. He played a key role in the Rapids’ resurgence down the stretch in 2019 and will be counted on as a lynchpin in the midfield for 2020. Acosta recently graced the cover of Down Syndrome World™ magazine with self-advocate Bert Defeo.

Alex Mutschler is a Denver Broncos Cheerleader, which is the official cheerleading squad of the NFL Denver Broncos. Along with being a cheerleading professional and a fitness guru, Alex is a surgical nurse and dedicated social justice warrior. She and four other cheerleaders were recently named “Broncos Country Heroes” for their work as healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to performing on game days, the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders annually commit close to 1,000 hours to various charities and events in Denver and the state of Colorado. Alex is a great advocate for children and adults with Down syndrome. We are proud to have her as a celebrity supporter for the star-studded 12th Anniversary Global Down Syndrome Foundation Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show.

Kim Christiansen grew up in Colorado and graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her first job was as a writer and associate producer for the 6AM news at 9News. She went on to work as a writer for the late newscasts and eventually made the transition to general assignment reporter. Her first anchor position was on the weekend morning news. Kim has won eight regional Emmy awards for spot news, news writing and news reporting. Kim is also devoted to the fight against breast cancer. She currently anchors the 4:00, 5:00, and 10:00 PM news. Kim has been an emcee for Global’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show for multiple years, as well as other GLOBAL events.

Tom Green has been a part of Colorado’s broadcast scene for more than 35 years, recently returning to 9News, where he worked from 1982-95 as an award-winning sportscaster. An exceptional journalist and broadcaster, and passionate sports fan, Tom was named Colorado’s “Sportscaster of the Year” four times, and has won 10 Emmy awards. Over the years, and between his golf games, he’s done a bit of everything on the air, from newscasting, to play-by-play, to even hosting a game show on ESPN – “Sports On Tap.” Many may also remember Tom from his afternoons talking about sports on the radio, co-hosting for three years on “The Fan,” with the legendary Doug Moe. Now, after 15 years of waking people up every morning on Channel 2’s Daybreak, Tom is sleeping in…and back at KUSA-TV, he anchors 9News every day at 4:00 and 5:00 PM. Tom is a GLOBAL supporter and has been an emcee at Global’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show for multiple years.