Down Syndrome Association Of Orange County

MANAGEMENT

CEO/Executive Director

Kellie Perez

CEO/Executive Director Experience

Kellie Perez is the Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County (DSAOC).  For the past 18 years, Kellie’s passion has been focused on helping families find the necessary programs, services and resources for their loved one with Down syndrome to help ensure their child can grow up healthy and confident, able to reach their full potential.  She has also created a Down syndrome awareness project, “Community Corner”. Kellie spent almost 14 years with Marriott International in sales and marketing. One of the most rewarding projects she managed was Marriott’s Pathways to Independence Program; an employment training program for individuals with obstacles to employment.  Through this program, Kellie worked with the US Veteran’s Initiative to provide training/employment to US Veterans. She also worked with Dayle McIntosh Center & Dept of Rehabilitation to train/employ those with disabilities. She partnered, with Braille Institute and other agencies to train/employ those with visual impairments.  Kellie was able to connect with youth through programs at the Braille Institute and the Foundation for the Jr. Blind and talk with them about what it takes to be a great employee, and make sure they are focusing on a goal of becoming employed.  Kellie found herself traveling throughout the United States, attending conventions to promote Marriott’s diversity philosophy, and to demonstrate how to make jobs accessible for those with visual impairments so they can work seamlessly alongside their sighted colleagues in a variety of settings.  Kellie and her program received awards and recognition, and she never imagined leaving Marriott, but she had another calling.  31 years ago she gave birth to her first daughter, Alexandra, who was born with Down syndrome.  In late 2005, she was approached by DSAOC to join the team and help them grow. Under Kellie's leadership, the organization has grown to offering programs and services for all ages, including some therapeutic offerings, and the annual fundraisers have increased in size and revenue, creating more funds for needed programs and services.  

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