Collette Divitto

Collette Divitto's %22Amazing Cookie%22

Collette Divitto is an American entrepreneur and advocate for people with disabilities, particularly those with Down syndrome. She gained national attention after founding Collettey's Cookies, a Boston-based bakery that employs individuals with disabilities. Her story is not just one of personal success but also highlights the broader issues of employment discrimination and workplace inclusion for people with disabilities.

Early Life and Education

Collette Divitto was born with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. Despite the challenges associated with Down syndrome, Divitto has always been determined to lead a productive and independent life. From a young age, she showed a keen interest in baking, a passion that would later become the cornerstone of her career.

After completing her education, which included attending a program for young adults with disabilities at Clemson University, Divitto faced significant barriers to employment. Like many people with disabilities, she found it difficult to secure a job, facing rejection from multiple employers who were hesitant to hire someone with Down syndrome.

Collettey's Cookies

Undeterred by these challenges, Divitto decided to create her own job opportunity. In 2016, she founded Collettey's Cookies in Boston, Massachusetts. The bakery started with a single recipe for cinnamon-chocolate chip cookies, a recipe that Divitto had perfected over the years. What began as a small operation quickly grew in popularity, thanks in part to media coverage that highlighted Divitto's entrepreneurial spirit and the social mission of her business.

Collettey's Cookies is not just a bakery; it is also a social enterprise that aims to provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Divitto has been vocal about her commitment to changing perceptions of what people with disabilities can achieve in the workplace. Her business model emphasizes ability over disability, demonstrating that with the right support and opportunities, individuals with disabilities can excel in their careers.

Advocacy and Recognition

Collette Divitto's work has not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to the disability community and for her entrepreneurial success. Her advocacy extends beyond her business, as she frequently speaks at events and participates in initiatives aimed at promoting employment inclusion for people with disabilities.

Impact and Legacy

The impact of Collette Divitto's work is multifaceted. Collettey's Cookies serves as a model for other businesses, showing that integrating social goals, such as employment for people with disabilities, can also be part of a successful business strategy. Moreover, Divitto's story is an inspiration to many, challenging societal perceptions of disability and highlighting the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and the pursuit of one's passions.

See Also

• Down syndrome
• Disability rights movement
• Social entrepreneurship

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