Voya Cares and NDSS work together to advocate for the disabilities community at the 2023 Buddy Walk in New York City

Voya Cares® is proud to have sponsored last Saturday’s 2023 National Down Syndrome Society’s (NDSS) Buddy Walk® in New York City, an event that builds connection for our employees who are part of the Down syndrome community. For six years, Voya Cares has supported this premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States, as part of our shared mission to make a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities and special needs from birth through aging, by providing advocacy, resources and solutions.

The Buddy Walk in New York City is the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community, and this year, dozens of Voya Financial employees attended the event to show their support.

This event not only brings excitement to those who attend each year, but it also brings meaning to the community, as they celebrate their loved ones with Down syndrome, share stories and raise funds to help expand our shared work of shifting public perceptions, providing resources and support to families, and advocating for policies that support the disabilities community.

Every year, the Buddy Walk reminds the world about the value that people with Down syndrome bring to their communities through a special video presentation on a jumbo screen in the heart of Times Square. Two of our employees with connections to the Down syndrome community were chosen to be part of the Times Square Video, Kerry Sette, head of Consumer Insights & Research, and Kay Lee Mynatt, sales engagement coordinator in the Voya Cares program. The video featured photos of their sons, Johnny and Spencer, respectively, who have Down syndrome. The Jumbotron presentation showcases the diversity of the Down syndrome community and is streamed live on Facebook across the country.

Following the video presentation, attendees began walking the one-mile course leading to Central Park to promote inclusion and acceptance. Kerry Sette also provided remarks to kick off the walk, and the Voya Cares team had a booth to further educate participants on our program.

Voya’s support of the NDSS Buddy Walk program aligns with the company’s commitment to people with disabilities and their caregivers through Voya Cares, an extensive program and hub of resources that aims to clear the path for those who are part of the special needs community to financial confidence and a more fulfilling life. To find out more about the walk and the work of NDSS, go to 2023 New York City Buddy Walk® — campaign page (ndss.org). To learn more about Voya Cares’ work in the disabilities community, see voyacares.com.