General Session Presenters

Katya Lezin first got the dreaded call from her doctor, that began “I don’t know how to tell you this,” in 2011. Her ovarian cancer diagnosis was followed by learning that she is BRCA-1 positive and a recurrence of her cancer in 2013. Her journey has included grueling chemotherapy and multiple surgeries but has also offered a surprising number of silver linings and moments of mirth and joy. Lezin has shared the upside of the Big C in two books, But I Just Grew Out My Bangs, A Cancer Tale and The ABCs of the Big C. She has also crisscrossed the country as a patient advocate and motivational speaker and often channels her inner standup comedian wannabe in her talks and presentations. What Lezin most hopes to convey is the gratitude she feels for the support and care she received and her joy in still being here to share her story. 

Carol is a post-masters Advanced Practice Professional Registered Nurse specializing in women and newborn health. With over 40 years of extensive clinical, educational and administrative practice, her broad background spans both low-risk and high-risk culturally diverse perinatal populations. She has practiced as a bedside nurse, perinatal clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife and perinatal services manager. Carol is a published author in both nursing and medical peer-reviewed publications. As an avid supporter of professional certification, she developed and regularly presents certification preparation programs in fetal monitoring, inpatient obstetrics and maternal-newborn nursing. As a very active member of AWHONN, Carol has served twice on the national board of directors, is in the inaugural class of the AWHONN Fellows, and was appointed to the ACOG AIM committee to develop the sepsis bundle which she will present today. Carol frequently appears at national and section conferences and webinars speaking on numerous perinatal topics including fetal monitoring, cesarean birth, sepsis, hypertensive disorders and diabetes. Carol has been honored by the March of Dimes as the Jonas Salk Nurse of the Year and Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago as APN of the year.

GiGi Gianni is the inspiration behind a global movement of life, acceptance, and achievement for people with Down syndrome. As the Chief Inspiration Officer of GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, GiGi is a powerful advocate reminding the world that every voice matters. She is an author, a motivational speaker, and a strong, confident woman with Down syndrome who is changing perceptions everywhere she goes.

Nancy Gianni, founder and Chief Belief Officer of GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, is a nationally recognized author, entrepreneur, and changemaker—and the proud mom of GiGi Gianni. When GiGi was born with Down syndrome in 2002, Nancy was told only what her daughter couldn’t do. Refusing to accept that, she turned heartbreak into hope and, in 2003, launched the first GiGi’s Playhouse. Today, Nancy leads a $40 million enterprise with over 62 locations and a virtual platform reaching families in 95 countries—all delivering free programs that unlock potential and promote global acceptance. Nancy drives both the mission and the movement. GiGi, now a confident young woman, serves as a global ambassador—speaking at events, starring in national campaigns, and reminding the world: “I belong here.” Together, Nancy and GiGi are changing how the world views Down syndrome, proving that with belief, love, and opportunity, anything is possible.