Throwback: Episode 3 — College, Expectations, and Ruby’s Rainbow with Liz Plachta

This week we’re revisiting Episode 3 of The Lucky Few Podcast—originally recorded in April 2018.
In one of our very first conversations, Heather, Mercedes, and Micah sit down with Liz Plachta, founder of Ruby’s Rainbow (rubysrainbow.org), to talk about what’s possible for individuals with Down syndrome after high school.
At the time, this conversation felt hopeful. Now, it also feels proven.
What started as one mom’s idea—to help one person with Down syndrome go to college—has grown into something much bigger:
• 1,015 scholarships awarded

• $3,776,000 in scholarship funds

• 26+ awareness campaigns changing the narrative

And that momentum hasn’t slowed. Ruby’s Rainbow is currently in the middle of its 2026 “3/21 Pledge” campaign, with a goal to raise $600,000 by World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) to fund at least 120 scholarships. As of early March 2026, they’ve already surpassed that $600,000 goal—another signal of how much belief and support continues to grow around this work.
This episode captures the early heart behind that movement—and why raising expectations still matters

Give the gift of a dream. Change a life. Help someone with Down syndrome go for their college dreams! Take the 3/21 Pledge TODAY (321pledge.org)

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