Global Down Syndrome

Valentina is a girl on a mission. She came with a purpose, like every person, but she has been exercising hers from a very early age. She touches people's souls with her smile, imparting an infinite amount of wisdom that every human being could benefit from. She is a great example of how valuable individuals with Down syndrome are. — Lexie Potamkin, godmother to Valentina Guerrero When Potamkin thinks about Valentina's future, she hopes it is one of acceptance. "My hope and dream for Valentina is that she will be accepted and valued as an integral part of society, not defined by her differences," she said. "In truth, everyone is different. I wish for her to be able to participate in life's many experiences and be treated as an equal and important member of society. I hope Valentina will always have the courage to lean into her strengths and talents, be a happy, well-adjusted human being, and to follow her own dreams. I hope she will continue to be a strong advocate and voice for people with Down syndrome and be an example for their equality." Valentina does not know whether she will become a chef, teacher, model, or public speaker, but it's clear to Potamkin what her goddaughter is meant to do. "She is a girl on a mission," Potamkin said. "She came with a purpose, like every person, but she has been exercising hers from a very early age. She touches people's souls with her smile, imparting an infinite amount of wisdom that every human being could benefit from. She is a great example of how valuable individuals with Down syndrome are." Keep up with Valentina's adventures on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @BraveWarriorVG. THE HEART OF A HUMANITARIAN Lexie Potamkin has not done it all, but she has come closer than many. The former Miss World USA has toured the U.S. with Bob Hope, hosted her own talk show, established a PR firm, traveled the world, and written books, just to name a few of her accomplishments. No matter where life has taken her, however, she has strived to do one thing: make the world a kinder, more just place. "Going back to my time as the Vice President of the International League for Human Rights, serving as President of Resources for Children's Health, it has always been clear to me that we are here to make a difference," Potamkin said. "I have tried to do that every day of my life in one way or another." A deeply spiritual person, Potamkin is both an ordained minister and a counselor. She conducts seminars exploring spirituality and gives sermons at the Aspen Chapel in her hometown of Aspen, Colorado, where she lives with her husband, three children, and numerous animals. She is the founder of the Aspen Center for Living Peace, which brings culturally diverse spiritual-education programming to the area, and she founded a website and initiative to educate the public about the risks that marijuana poses to teenagers' brains. Potamkin draws inspiration from many sources, including her goddaughter, Valentina Guerrero, and the daughter of a high school friend, both of whom have Down syndrome. "I am inspired by the spiritual fortitude of these families who retain their positive attitudes, courage, strength, and unconditional love," Potamkin said. "I learn from Valentina, who is filled with light and love and joy, that the world is a wonderful place, and it touches my heart deeply. I am so proud of their whole family. They inspire me through their determination, tenacity, perseverance, and positivity. They have taken on their challenges with positivity and focused their efforts to become advocates and create change and awareness for people with Down syndrome." Learn more about Potamkin and her approach to life at spiritpeacelove.com. Lexie Potamkin with Tibetan Buddhist monks Lexie Potamkin, a for mer Miss World USA Dolores Cor tés and Valentina GLOBALDOWNSYNDROME.ORG 25

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