After 20 years in finance, how one woman found her passion project

The national organization offers free therapeutic and education programming for people with Down syndrome and their families to help “change the way the world views Down syndrome."

Hoffman, who still works in finance, was inspired to open the nonprofit because her brother has Down syndrome.

“The families that I have met and the impact we have made in such a short amount of time is just amazing, and it’s brought me so much joy,” she said. "Every family reminds me of my family, so there is such a personal connection."

In its first year of operating, the organization has served 478 local families, Hoffman said.

“I so wish there had been something like this for my brother years ago," she said. "But at least there is something now.”

Hoffman works at a small Chicago-based money management company that she commutes to regularly from her home in Chapel Hill. Her formal title is vice president of marketing, but she says she “wears a lot of hats” at the firm.

Having spent 20 years with the same company, she said it is energizing to throw herself into her passion project, Gigi's Playhouse on nights and weekends.

“My husband will tell you I’m up late,” she said. “I’ve raised two boys, too. I have a lot of energy, and I do what my heart wants me to do.

“But Gigi’s has really become a passion of mine to stay up late and work hard.”

WRAL sat down with Hoffman to discuss how she balances her career in finance, passion for Gigi’s Playhouse and family life.

I’m 47 years old, and the money does help, but my husband even told me, "If your boss isn’t going to support you, and you have finally found your passion at 47 years old, then go for it."

It would have been hard to leave my employer after so long, but my passion is honestly not in finance or that company, and my boss knows that.

I was fortunate to get a job in finance, but honestly my heart was not in it.

But the reality is, if you find something you enjoy, it doesn’t feel like work. And that is possible. That’s what Gigi’s is for me.

But I do know others in my firm may feel a bit differently. A few of our associates that were male and female both got master’s degrees, and as supportive as he has been for me, my boss definitely recognized those male associates for getting their master’s. And the female associates didn’t get any recognition as far as pay and promotions. I don’t think my boss did it intentionally, but he’s part of the “old boys’ club.” He’s in his mid-60s. When my male co-worker got his, there was definitely an immediate bump up, and the other associate had to wait for her evaluation.

There were three females that got their graduate degree, and I would say that was the trend for all of them. We had one male get his graduate degree, and his promotion came pretty quick.