Let’s appreciate them!

Every once in a while, a story emerges that reminds us what true courage, resilience, and determination look like. Collette Divitto’s journey is one of those stories. Born with Down Syndrome, Collette faced countless barriers that could have easily held her back. From a young age, she learned that society often saw her limitations before her abilities. After graduating school and stepping into adulthood, she dreamed of independence and a meaningful career, like any young adult. She polished her résumé, applied for jobs, and went to interviews with hope in her heart. Yet, she was met with rejection after rejection. Employers weren’t evaluating her skills or dedication; they were judging her by her disability. The world’s repeated “no” could have been enough to make anyone give up, but not Collette. Instead of letting rejection define her, she decided to take control of her story. She chose to create her own path, and in doing so, she didn’t just change her life, she began changing the world.

Baking had always been her passion. From childhood, she spent hours in the kitchen, experimenting with recipes and perfecting chocolate chip cookies that quickly became a family favorite. Encouragement from her loved ones sparked an idea: if the world wouldn’t give her an opportunity, she could build one herself. In 2016, after countless setbacks, Collette launched her own business, Collettey’s Cookies, in Boston. What started as a modest venture—baking cookies in her kitchen and delivering them personally, soon became something extraordinary. Her cookies were not only delicious but also symbolic of resilience, courage, and the refusal to be underestimated. Word spread quickly; local grocery stores wanted to stock her cookies, cafés reached out, and customers were drawn not only to the product but to the story behind it. Each cookie became a testament to the power of persistence and self-belief.

Collette’s journey, however, is about far more than baking. She understood that her personal success could serve a higher purpose: creating opportunities for others with disabilities. Having faced rejection herself, she was acutely aware of the systemic barriers that prevented capable individuals from being employed. Determined to make a difference, she committed to building a company that prioritized inclusion. Today, Collettey’s Cookies employs over 15 people with disabilities, offering them meaningful work, fair pay, and a supportive environment. Her company stands as a model for how businesses can thrive while making a positive social impact. Collette has transformed her personal struggle into a platform for advocacy, demonstrating that success can be measured not only in profits but also in the lives touched and opportunities created.

The story of Collette Divitto is more than inspirational; it challenges society’s perceptions of ability. Through her business, she proves that people with disabilities are capable, talented, and deserving of equal opportunity. She has become a public speaker, traveling across the country to share her story and advocate for inclusion in the workplace. Her message is simple yet powerful: “I am not a person with a disability. I am a person with abilities. Just like everyone else, I deserve a chance.” Her journey reminds us that the limitations we perceive are often societal constructs, and with courage, innovation, and determination, they can be dismantled.

Collette’s life offers several important lessons. First, resilience is key. Rejection is not the end of the road; it can be the beginning of something greater. Collette demonstrates that setbacks are not failures, they are opportunities to pivot, innovate, and grow stronger. Second, creating your own opportunities is often more powerful than waiting for permission. Collette didn’t wait for employers to recognize her worth; she built a thriving business from her passion and dedication. Third, purpose drives success. Collettey’s Cookies is not just a commercial enterprise, it’s a mission to empower others, to challenge stereotypes, and to redefine what is possible for people with disabilities. Finally, her story redefines success itself. True achievement is measured not only in personal gains but in the doors you open for others and the positive impact you leave behind.

The ripple effect of Collette’s work extends far beyond Boston. Her story has been featured by national media, inspiring countless individuals and organizations to rethink how they view employment and ability. Her courage has motivated families, educators, and employers to advocate for inclusion and to recognize the untapped potential in every individual. Each employee at Collettey’s Cookies is a testament to the transformative power of opportunity, and each cookie sold carries a message: ability matters more than disability, and everyone deserves a chance to contribute.

Collette’s journey also reminds us of the importance of self-belief. In a world that often emphasizes limitations, she chose to focus on what she could do rather than what she couldn’t. Her determination to succeed in the face of adversity is a lesson for anyone who has ever been told “no.” She teaches that when the world refuses to see your worth, you have the power to create your own path, to craft your own opportunities, and to turn personal challenges into collective victories.

Her impact is not only social and economic but also emotional and psychological. By hiring individuals with disabilities, she instills confidence, independence, and dignity in those who might otherwise be marginalized. Collettey’s Cookies is a place where employees are recognized for their talents and contributions, proving that inclusivity is not only morally right but also beneficial for the growth and creativity of any organization.

Collette’s story is a beacon of hope for countless individuals who face barriers, physical, social, or systemic. It demonstrates that success is not reserved for those with the easiest paths, but for those with the courage to persist, innovate, and empower others along the way. By transforming her own rejection into a revolutionary business and advocacy platform, Collette has reshaped how the world views ability and potential. She shows us that sometimes, the best way to respond to “no” is to create a resounding “yes” of your own making, and in doing so, lift others with you.

In conclusion, Collette Divitto’s life exemplifies resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of purpose. Through Collettey’s Cookies, she has not only built a successful business but also created meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities, challenged societal stereotypes, and inspired a generation to rethink what is possible. Her story teaches us that limitations are often self-imposed or societally imposed, and that courage, perseverance, and determination can turn rejection into revolution. Collette’s journey reminds us all that when the world says no, we have the power to say yes, not just for ourselves, but for everyone whose potential deserves to be seen, recognized, and celebrated.