HOLLY SIMON of CHICAGO | Meet the Founder of I Am Who I Am Foundation

Holly Simons, I Am Who I Am, Local Influential-Chicago

A LOVE FOR HELPING OTHERS

Realizing that No Child Should Be Born Into the World with an "I'm Sorry", This Chicago Area Mom of 5 Started Her Own Down Syndrome Inclusion & Awareness Foundation In Honor of Her Son, Nate

CHICAGO– “I will roar louder than any lion - these children deserve it. It’s time for our world to change. We need acceptance, awareness, inclusion, friendships, understanding, kindness and love.” A powerful statement by Holly Simon, who founded “I Am Who I Am” after being inspired by an insensitive statement made after the birth of her son, Nate, who was born with Down Syndrome. “The doctors told me they were sorry,” Holly shares. “I immediately realized that no child should be born into the world with an ‘I’m sorry’.”

Holly has five children (14 to 23 years old); she is a breast cancer survivor; the author of “I Am Who I Am” and spends 40 hours a week running the foundation and their new “I Am” bath and body products line created to give teens and adults with special abilities something to work at and to believe in. They currently sell soaps, bath bombs, lotions, lip balm and inspirational jewelry. Holly has created a job platform for all abilities, which also includes designing beautiful artwork and producing posters, holiday cards, and ornaments.

Holly’s commitment is fueled by passion and the aspiration to create positive change.

IN HOLLY'S OWN WORDS.....

FOUNDATION SUMMARY

"I designed I am who I am to educate, bring awareness, acceptance, inclusion and love to all those born different; to celebrate each and every unique life. I am the Executive Director for the foundation. We go into schools, doctors’ offices and educate that our children are more alike than different. We host HollyDays every November where we showcase the talents of our amazing community. I am on WGN Radio (The Patti Vasquez show) where we discuss and educate about all different special abilities and we use social media to brag and bring awareness. That inclusion and friendship begins with learning at home, around the kitchen table. I work with The Ray Graham training center high school in Chicago where we create art to sell. We JUST began the I am... Bath and Body product line where our community has the ability to learn and perform, all levels of business. From labeling to the artwork, to the board meeting and to selling the products giving them pride, self-worth, and extra cash!

I wrote a book called I am who I am that talks very openly about the challenges and gifts that a child with special needs brings to a family!" –Holly Simon

AREAS OF SPECIALTY

My specialty is my FIERCE love for these kids. As a proud mom of 5 and a mom to an amazing Down Syndrome child I believe we are the chosen ones put here to shout from the highest mountain that our kids are WORTHY and SPECTACULAR!

MENTORING THE FUTURE

"My fave quote is "It is what it is" so accept and move on, while moving forward with life try to move a few mountains. Do what you can to help others along your journey as I promise it will be life changing. To accept people just the way they are. We are all a bit different, so do not judge. Make this a better world by extending your hand, say hello and smile. It’s that simple. It really does take a village. Just do what you can to be the change." -Holly Simon

THE DATA.....

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS