Meet Laura Bellizzi

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laura Bellizzi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laura below.

Laura , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

From an early age, I knew I was meant to teach and serve others. Growing up, I spent countless hours playing school, inspired by the very teachers who shaped my outlook on education. I also learned the value of giving back from my mother, who served as my Girl Scout leader. She instilled in me a love for service, encouraging me to support my community and, in true Girl Scout fashion, “leave it better than I found it.” We spent countless hours together organizing donations at the food pantry, wrapping gifts for holiday toy drives, and painting houses for Habitat for Humanity. I quickly discovered that giving back was not only meaningful work, but fun, opening the door to connections with countless inspiring individuals!

This passion for education and service also shaped my formative years. In high school, I became a tutor and student council leader, organizing community service initiatives at school. In college, I studied education and took on the role of philanthropy chair for my sorority, leading fundraising and awareness efforts for the Alzheimer’s Association. These experiences solidified my love for education and service, but it wasn’t until a fateful conversation with a cousin – the head of a special education school – that I truly found my calling.

Encouraged by our conversation, I pursued a master’s in special education and eventually became a teacher at the very school my cousin led. Specializing in teaching students with dyslexia, I discovered my role was more than teaching academic skills – it was empowering students to see their own boundless potential! Outside the classroom, I became the Student Council Advisor, guiding members to take initiative and organize projects to benefit their own community.

After relocating to California in 2023, I sought a new way to give back and soon found my place at GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, a Down syndrome achievement center providing free educational, therapeutic, and career training programs. Inspired by the resilience and strength of our participants, I knew I could use my background in education to show what individuals with Down syndrome are truly capable of – as students, employees, friends, and community members. After just one month of volunteering, I joined the board to further GiGi’s mission to alter perceptions of Down syndrome and champion inclusivity for all! I also became the advisor of the Generation G Youth Board, a group of dedicated and motivated high school students who also work to shift perceptions of Down syndrome while promoting a world that is generous, accepting, and kind.

At every stage of my life, education and service have been deeply intertwined. Whether teaching in a classroom, mentoring student leaders, or advocating for individuals with disabilities, I have remained committed to uplifting others and helping them recognize their full potential. This lifelong journey has shaped me into the educator, leader, and advocate I am today.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

In keeping true with all stages of my life, I currently work in both education and philanthropy. While no longer in the classroom full time, I continue to support the growth and achievement of students through my role as a teacher training specialist. In addition to leading professional development workshops, I provide 1:1 instructional coaching for teachers across various grades and content areas. I am fortunate to collaborate with so many inspiring educators who are changing lives every day – I learn just as much from them as they learn from me! Outside education, I serve as the Fundraising and Development Chair for GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego. Through this role, I strive to raise awareness for our mission to change perceptions of Down syndrome while working to secure critical funding for our educational, therapeutic, and career training programs. Such funding ensures these programs remain 100% free for our participants and their families. I also collaborate with our board to plan a series of exciting, purposeful, and community-centered fundraising events throughout the year. In fact, we will be hosting our annual 5K Donut Run on Sunday, April 27th at Crown Point Shores North. Join us as we celebrate all that we have to be proud of, connect community members, and create a ripple effect of acceptance! This event is open to participants of all ages. Opportunities for sponsorships, vendor, and nonprofit tables available.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

One quality which has proven essential in both education and philanthropy is a commitment to lifelong learning because it ensures continuous growth, promotes creative and critical thinking, and strengthens one’s ability to adapt and serve diverse communities. Developing strong interpersonal skills has also proven vital since education and philanthropy rely heavily on relationship building, collaboration, and effective communication. Finally, knowledge of history and legislation has proven critical as it provides context for current challenges, informs best practices, and ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

As a member of the GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego Board, we are eager to collaborate with community members and businesses who align with our core values of acceptance, inclusion, empowerment, and generosity. We welcome exploratory discussions to identify meaningful partnerships or collaborations that reflect our vision and values while also serving the interests of community members and local businesses. Our goal is to create mutually beneficial opportunities that foster inclusion, awareness, and impact. Potential collaborative opportunities include volunteer engagement, event sponsorship, fundraising and awareness campaigns, special events, and more!

If you’d like to explore opportunities to collaborate, please visit our website or reach out via email (linked below). We are excited to work together and make a lasting difference!

Welcome to GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego

Email: [email protected]

Contact Info:

Image Credits

(All photos taken by GiGi’s staff or board members using personal phones)

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