Tiana Kirkegaard Awarded 2024 George Klukas Achievement Award

Her mantra is, “I am graceful, poised, and fearless!” Considering all that she has achieved just a few years into adulthood, it is clear that Tiana Kirkegaard embodies all three of these qualities.

A veteran of the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation’s Speech-Language Therapy service, Reading and Communications Plus program, and Sharp Shooters Photography Club, Tiana’s light shines brightest at Let’s InterACT, our Integrated Improv Ensemble. There, her confidence and self-expression have bloomed. She takes risks in class, stepping into leadership roles and advocating for herself and others with grace. Tiana communicates powerful messages while perfectly balancing professionalism and humour to connect with others.

Desiring to embark upon an acting career, Tiana has worked with DSRF staff to prepare for auditions and presentations. As her storytelling and writing skills have grown, doors have begun to open for her to make her mark.

In 2022, Tiana landed a supporting role in the Hallmark movie Color My World with Love. Her film debut was the feature presentation at DSRF’s 2024 Down Syndrome Film Festival, where Tiana has served as a speaker for the past two years.

Tiana has also been a featured speaker at Down Syndrome BC’s Three Twenty-One Summit, and has given presentations to Canada’s federal government.

Most notably, in early 2024, Tiana was invited to emcee the 3rd Annual Canadian Health and Wellbeing in Developmental Disabilities Conference. Tiana wrote all her own scripts and pre-recorded all her segments – nailing each one of them on the first take. Tiana’s motivation and drive is contagious, and many conference goers shared how inspiring it was to see Tiana thriving in the emcee role.

Tiana recently completed a leadership learning course through L’Arche Canada. Through her advocacy work, she has put these skills into practice and is paving the way for others with disabilities. She has strong core values and is proud of her Chinese heritage. Tiana loves to express herself through many different mediums, which has allowed her to touch the hearts of a diverse set of people through the years – not least of all, those of us who have the privilege of working with her at DSRF.

Please join us in congratulating Tiana Kirkegaard, winner of the 2024 George Klukas Achievement Award.