ABOUT GIGI MCDOWELL
“Creativity is my language, community is my calling, and intention guides everything I do.”
Long before weddings became my work or companies became my classrooms, I was designing moments—dreaming up gatherings, planning celebrations, and finding joy in bringing people together. That love never left. It simply grew, shaping the way I move through the world and the way I build.
Today, I design experiences rooted in beauty, meaning, and connection. I build things from vision. I lead with intention. And I carry a deep respect for what thoughtfully created spaces, stories, and systems can do for people and for community.
My path has taken me into rooms where creativity meets responsibility—where imagination is paired with discipline, and ideas are guided into impact. Those experiences have strengthened how I lead, how I serve, and how carefully I steward the opportunities I’m given.
Motherhood has shaped all of it.
It sharpened my creativity, softened my edges, and made me more intentional about the environments my children grow inside of and the examples they witness. It deepened my belief that community matters—that children thrive in spaces designed with care, and that leadership is something we model long before we ever name it.
This site is a small window into my world—how I create, what I value, and the kind of community I hope to build. If something here resonates, I invite you to explore a little deeper.
FUN FACTS
A few little things that make me, me.
One of the First 100
Venture-backed founder who raised over $1M
Rooted in Faith
Member of Concord Church
Born an Event Planner
Planning events since I was five
I’m honored to be among the first 100 Black female founders to raise over one million dollars in venture funding. This journey shaped how I lead, how I build, and how deeply I value representation, stewardship, and creating pathways for those coming behind me.
My faith has always grounded me. Being a member of Concord Church and a former E.K. Bailey Debutante for Christ are meaningful parts of my foundation—shaping my values, my service mindset, and how I move through the world with care and purpose.
I started planning parties and events at five years old and planned my first wedding at thirteen. That early love grew into a lifelong passion—there is truly nothing I enjoy more than designing meaningful, beautiful experiences for people.
Featured in Vanity Fair
Vanity Fair x Audemars Piguet feature
Very Much a School Mom
PTA mom at DeSoto Private School and KCA
Builder by Nature
Technology founder and Self-taught web developer
I was honored to be featured in Vanity Fair through a story sponsored by Audemars Piguet, alongside Serena Williams. Moments like these remind me how powerful it is when creativity, culture, and thoughtful storytelling come together.
Whether it’s volunteering, supporting teachers, or being present in the classroom, I truly enjoy being involved in my children’s school communities. From serving as a room mom to supporting PTA efforts, this is one of the ways I stay connected and engaged where it matters most.
I’m naturally curious and love learning how things work. Building a technology company and teaching myself web development allowed me to blend my love for wedding planning and creativity with problem-solving to bring my ideas to life from the ground up.
HOW I SERVE
Community involvement isn’t something I step into occasionally—it’s something I build into my life.
Whether it’s civic engagement, supporting founders, or showing up consistently for neighbors, I believe service is one of the most important examples we can set for our children. It teaches responsibility. It builds empathy. And it reminds us that our time, voice, and resources matter.
The ways I serve are rooted in consistency, care, and a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to the communities I’m part of.
Deputy Voter's Registrar
I serve as a Voter Registrar across Dallas, Tarrant, and Ellis Counties because I believe civic engagement is foundational to strong, informed communities. Helping people register to vote is one small but meaningful way I support representation, participation, and collective responsibility. It is important to me that my children grow up seeing the value of voice, involvement, and standing in service of something larger than ourselves.
Black Founder's Weekend
I serve as a board member for Black Founders Weekend because I believe access, exposure, and education are essential to building strong, sustainable futures. In this role, I support programming and initiatives that provide founders with resources, mentorship, and community. It allows me to contribute strategically while helping create platforms that uplift innovation, leadership, and representation—values that are deeply important to me as a mother and community-builder.
Early-stage Angel Investor
I am an early-stage investor with a strong focus on venture-backed companies. Through investing, I support founders at the beginning of their journeys—providing not only capital, but guidance, perspective, and encouragement. I am especially passionate about entrepreneurship and STEAM-driven innovation, and about helping build pathways where creativity, technology, and problem-solving come together. Venture investing allows me to pour into ideas that solve real problems, shape culture, and create long-term impact—while also modeling financial literacy, innovation, and leadership for my children. I want Zoey and Cristian to grow up seeing that they can be creators, builders, engineers, founders, and visionaries.
WHY JACK & JILL?
One of the things that has stood out to me most about Jack and Jill is the intention behind the programming—the care given to creating spaces where children are celebrated, families are connected, and culture and service are woven into experience.
Attending chapter events has allowed me to witness that heart in action. Each gathering has deepened my appreciation for the community being built and affirmed why Jack and Jill resonates so strongly with me as a mother. Here are a few of the moments that have stayed with me over the years as I’ve attended events hosted by the Southwest Suburban Chapter of Jack and Jill.
Jack and Jill / Carole Robertson Day
September 2023 | Mansfield Timberview PAC
This event felt deeply personal—from the minister being a family member of a chapter mother to hearing a civil rights leader share his story. It was also the very first Jack and Jill event Zoey and I attended together, just after she turned one.
Jack and Jill / Carole Robertson Day
September 2024 | Concord Church
Having this event at my church made it especially meaningful. I loved fellowshipping with the mothers and hearing the children share what Jack and Jill means to them.
The Color Purple Movie Screening
December 2023 | ShowBiz Cinemas
I loved the opportunity to connect with the mothers while experiencing something meaningful together. It was special to see the chapter support and share in a powerful cultural moment.
Breakfast with Santa
December 2023 | Paul Quinn College
Zoey had just learned to walk, and watching her dance, smile, and interact with the other children was pure joy. Seeing her experience that kind of warmth and celebration was unforgettable.
Adopt-A-Street Cleanup
October 2024 | Desoto, TX
This was the first time Zoey and I were able to serve alongside the chapter. I loved seeing the children actively care for their community and learn the value of giving back.
Heart & Mind Living Healthy Expo
September 2025 | Bishop Dunne Catholic School
This was the first event I attended with both Zoey and Cristian. While Zoey explored every table she could, Cristian and I followed along—it was a sweet, full-circle family moment.
"Splashin' Into Christmas" December GGA
December 2025 | Epic Waters Indoor Water Park
This experience was especially meaningful because I was able to see my sponsor, Shenique Holloman, in action. It was inspiring to watch the event come together so thoughtfully for the children.
Zoey came home practicing CPR on her dad and baby brother for weeks after the training—it was a beautiful reminder of how these experiences truly stay with them.