Our colleagues at Perficient are generous, kind, and take pride in paying it forward through a passion for philanthropy. In 2024, Perficient’s Giving Employee Resource Group (ERG) launched the Perficient Gives Global Grants Program, a unique opportunity to support global nonprofit organizations in their mission to make a significant impact in our communities. Through this program, colleagues from across Perficient’s global offices can nominate their favorite charitable organizations to receive a one-time $5,000 donation from Perficient. 
To qualify, the organizations must align with Perficient’s corporate giving pillars: advancing STEM education and improving health and well-being. Hundreds of colleagues from around the world have nominated their favorite charities, showcasing a diverse range of inspiring organizations and enabling everyone to champion causes close to their hearts. Last year, we recognized Charity: Water, the Jessie Rees Foundation, the Foundation for Excellence, the Marina Orth Foundation, and the Last Mile Education Fund as the first five charities to receive a donation from Perficient.
Now, we’re proud to share that the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN) is the first of five global organizations selected to receive a $5,000 donation following our second round of nominations. DSDN was nominated by Katie Burwell, a senior talent acquisition specialist based out of our Dallas office who has a personal connection to the organization. Continue reading to learn more about DSDN, Katie’s story, and how her team rallied in support of her cause.
Read More: Learn About the 2024 Perficient Gives Global Grants Program Recipients
Shining a Light on Down Syndrome and The Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN)
As the largest national organization supporting new and expectant parents with a Down syndrome diagnosis, DSDN’s mission is to connect, support, and provide accurate information to parents and medical professionals from the time of diagnosis through the age of three, while fostering lifelong connections. What began as a small, private online group for moms has developed into an organization focused on improving diagnosis support for parents and families.
Since launching in early 2014, DSDN provides connections to parents of a child with Down syndrome—ultimately changing the narrative around the condition from one of uncertainty to hope and inclusion. To date, the organization has 22,832 group members, 43 pregnancy and birth groups, 28 medical condition groups, and 31 parent and family identity groups. Through advocacy, medical outreach, grants, and networking efforts, DSDN aims to ensure that all families are supported, empowered, and feel that they have a strong community.
Watch the video below to learn more about DSDN:
Receiving an at-birth diagnosis of Down syndrome can be challenging, especially with options that are often distressing for new parents. Katie’s journey with DSDN began with the at-birth Down syndrome diagnosis of her daughter, Tatum, who is now two years old. Recognizing the need for a network of people going through similar experiences, she found solace and strength in DSDN’s resources.
Building Bridges and Community Through a Supportive Family Network
Through moderated Facebook groups, Katie built strong relationships with other parents and created an open environment for conversation. She regularly connects with a group of moms that she has met through DSDN to discuss challenges, share triumphs, offer advice, and be a resource for one another. Beyond online support platforms, DSDN offers a wealth of resources, including advocacy, medical outreach, grants, welcome gifts, and memorials.
The organization’s efforts extend to providing a safe space for parents to connect, which led to the creation of their own app, a secure platform for communication. Katie and her family have benefited immensely from DSDN’s support and community. DSDN is more than a helpful resource for her family; it has been a lifeline of connection. The guidance provided by other parents is invaluable to Katie and enables her to give Tatum the best possible care from therapy to medical advice.
“Having those resources and expertise from other women created a community that can easily relay that information to the newer moms. I nominated DSDN because the organization has made a profound impact on my family. We needed a network of people, either local or national, that were walking through the same journey that we were. DSDN’s work was instrumental in making us feel like we were not alone.”
Changing the Narrative Through Volunteerism and Giving Back
For the last two years, Katie has been involved with the organization through volunteering with their grants writing team, re-launching their LinkedIn presence, attending retreats, and engaging in peer-to-peer fundraising. DSDN is a shining beacon of hope for families with children who have Down syndrome, and Katie’s creative fundraising efforts are effective in inspiring generosity and goodwill amongst her colleagues, friends, and network. From spirit nights at local restaurants to raffling a custom-painted champagne bottle, she has found innovative ways to raise funds in support of the organization. So far, Katie has personally raised $10,000 for DSDN in addition to the $5,000 donation from Perficient.
Additionally, Katie organized team-building events and fundraisers within Perficient, including World Down Syndrome Day activities. In support of the awareness day, Katie spearheaded several initiatives in our Dallas office to educate Perficient colleagues about Down syndrome. She organized the Dallas team’s efforts by bringing in posters, balloons, cookies, and information about Down syndrome, Tatum, and DSDN.
“World Down Syndrome Day is March 21, and it’s kind of like a big holiday,” said Katie. “I think of it as a second birthday for Tatum because it’s just a great way to create awareness and advocacy for Down syndrome.”
Katie also coordinated an effort through Pal Socks, a company specializing in mis-matched socks, to help with fundraising and creating opportunities for conversations about Down syndrome. By encouraging her family, friends, peers, and network to purchase mismatched socks, Katie fostered deeper connections and inspired others to share their own experiences. For this year’s World Down Syndrome Day, Katie recently reached her goal of providing 755 pairs of socks to students and teachers at Argyle West Elementary School. Each pair celebrates how our differences make us unique and represents a step towards awareness, with a portion of each donation going back to DSDN.
Spreading Hope with Community Involvement
Katie’s dedication to DSDN and her efforts in fundraising and advocacy have also inspired others to learn more. Her involvement in DSDN’s retreats has allowed her to connect with other moms from across the United States, forming lasting friendships and a robust support network. Through her contributions, Katie has brought joy, light, and purpose to her community while advocating for an inclusive environment for people of all abilities. Her story is a testament to the power of community, advocacy, and the profound impact that organizations like DSDN can have on families.
As an advocate for DSDN, Katie’s work highlights the importance of changing the narrative around Down syndrome. Historically, individuals with Down syndrome are treated differently for how they were born, with many stereotypes and stigmas still existing around the world. DSDN continues to advocate for awareness and inclusion, ensuring that children like Tatum can thrive in a supportive environment. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of advocacy, support, and community.
DSDN was also nominated by Irina Wenderoth, manager, Talent Acquisition, who rallied in support of Katie’s personal passion for the organization. Irina shared, “I have been working with Katie for four years now, and she has always been open about her story of Tatum having Down syndrome and how they are helping Tatum with her communication and therapy. Being aware and educating others in your community is important.”
Perficient is Improving the Health and Well-Being of Our Global Communities
We’re committed to making a difference in our global communities, and that is exemplified by supporting organizations like DSDN that build inclusive environments and provide essential resources for families like Katie’s.
“Perficient is making a difference, and I don’t know of many other companies that take this approach,” said Katie. “I think it’s phenomenal and I’m filled with so much gratitude. This just further solidifies why I love working at Perficient.”
With Katie and Irina’s nominations, and volunteer efforts led by our Dallas office, Perficient’s contribution through the Perficient Gives Global Grants Program will significantly enhance DSDN’s ability to offer critical resources and support to families around the world with a Down syndrome diagnosis. This funding will contribute to maintaining the organization’s secure app for parent communication, expanding advocacy programs, and continuing to provide essential medical outreach, connection, and support services for those in need.
DSDN is a non-profit organization that relies heavily on peer-to-peer fundraising, and Perficient’s support will provide crucial funding for the organization’s mission. We look forward to continuing our support for organizations that make a profound difference in the lives of those they serve. Stay tuned for future announcements about the Perficient Gives Global Grants Program and the charitable organizations we support!
