for EK only

Collette, a young woman born in 1990 with Down Syndrome, has been creating her own recipe for cookies for fun! But after rejec- tion repeatedly when applying for a paying job and being told she had great skills, was always told the same thing…she was not “a good fit”.

COLLETTE DIVITTO IS BUSY BUILDING HER BUSINESS Collette was determined to open her own business and try to earn a living on her own. Collette, a very tenacious young woman, despite any disability, was off to show people how able she is and how other’s like herself can be of great value to their community. Collette has created a global movement (check out her In The News Page) and is known by many throughout the world. LIVE VIDEO IN DIGITAL EDITION Her response to all this new unintentional fame is, “why are people so surprised”. Collette travels around the country to share her inspiring story, and constantly encourage people to focus on their abilities rather than what they can’t do. She speaks to audiences of hundreds to thousands and has decided she needs to use her platform to create change and to help the non-disabled population see abilities and start including and employing people with disabilities more and more. It pains Collette to know 82% of people with a disability, that are capable of work, cannot find paying jobs…which means they cannot live independently. With every cookie sale Collettey’s has, Collette is one step closer to offering yet another employment opportu- nity in her company. And with every cookie sale Collettey’s has, Collette is also one step closer to her “Call to Action” plan that she insists on leading. This plan is to represent her community in Washington, D.C. with a written employment incentive policy for

adoption, and to request the elimination of the sub minimum wage. She has been referred to as “One smart cookie” and “One tough cookie”. Collette is working with interested partners for production locations across the country, all of which are culinary training organizations for peo- ple with disabilities whose graduates cannot find jobs. It’s a win win….so please order cookies for all your gifts so Collette can continue to expand! With her trademark sass and drive to work hard and succeed, keep an eye on this girl!

November 2021 / HOSPITALITY NEWS P69