2025 Fashion Show Co-Chairs
Jay Mills
G.H. Jay Mills is the founder and owner of Jay’s Valet Parking LLC, one of the largest valet parking services in the Rocky Mountain region. Jay’s Valet Parking LLC currently operates in three states and employs several hundred people. Jay is also a licensed real estate broker/owner and has earned the rare CRS and GRI designations. Jay served the United States as a decorated and honorably discharged Army veteran and is the father of an awesome young man named Maxx. Jay was fortunate to have many role models growing up, who encouraged him and helped him develop his passion for helping others. His passion is continuing his personal growth and to be surrounded by good, kind and loving people.
Over the past several years, Jay has volunteered for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation – from the Dare to Play Football with Ed McCaffrey where you’ll find him refereeing the big game day, to the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, where he spends countless hours helping to make the fundraiser a success. Jay joined the board of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation in 2011.
Kiana Akina
Kiana Akina, Client Consulting Manger, CBRE
With over two decades of commercial real estate experience, Kiana is a licensed CRE professional, specializing in advising global corporations on comprehensive real estate strategies. At CBRE, she leads initiatives that optimize portfolios, align real estate operations with business objectives, and drive cost-effective solutions worldwide.
She has a passion for globe-trotting adventures—immersing herself in new cultures, savoring regional cuisines, and collecting experiences that shape her global perspective. At home in Denver, she’s a dedicated volunteer and active supporter of numerous local nonprofits, giving back to the community she loves. Above all, she proudly embraces her favorite role: being a super-aunty to her beloved niece, Halia, and spirited nephews, Makai, Kainoa, and Keahi—her greatest joy and constant source of inspiration.
What motivated you to Co-Chair this year’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show?
We have met so many wonderful people through GLOBAL over the years, celebrated many special moments and milestones with them, and we couldn’t be more delighted to chair this year’s event with the Kauths.
What can we expect at this year’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show?
This year’s Fashion Show will be full of energy, passion, inclusion, and beauty that shines through every self-advocate and attendee in the house! It’s the gala of the year!
What about the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s work inspires you?
The passion, education, advocacy and non-stop commitment of life-changing research and medical care that continues to make a difference in the lives of those with Down syndrome.
There are a lot of worthwhile, not-for-profit events and causes. Why should someone support this one?
Supporting GLOBAL can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals with Down syn-drome and their families. From life-saving and transformative research that aims to improve health outcomes, to educational programs that raise awareness and promote inclusion, GLOBAL creates a community of support and the Foundation’s efforts extend worldwide to promote a more inclusive society.
What do you hope for people with Down syndrome and their families in the future?
We hope that people with Down syndrome and their families experience a future where they are fully included, supported, and valued in every part of society. This means equitable ac-cess to quality education, healthcare, meaningful employment, and community life. But to achieve this, we must address the significant disparity in funding and the lack of strong fed-eral government advocacy. Compared to other disabilities and conditions, Down syndrome receives disproportionately low research funding and limited policy attention, which restricts the development of resources and services tailored to their unique needs. We hope for a fu-ture where this disparity is corrected—where families no longer have to fight for basic sup-port, and where the government actively prioritizes and invests in the potential of people with Down syndrome.
Please share a sentence or two about your life, including what is important to you, and anything else you would like to share with others.
Spending quality time with our family and friends is at the heart of our lives, and we’re deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others – especially those in need of support or a helping hand. Being of service and staying connected to the people we love keeps us grounded and fulfilled.