Collette Divitto

I founded my own company and have been running it successfully while living independently in Boston for the past 12-13 years. What makes my story particularly special is that my mom, who knows about baking but not business stuff, now works by my side in my company - I'm actually her employer and pay her salary. This is especially meaningful because when I was born, nurses told my mom there was no shame in giving her up for adoption. I've become 100% independent, paying my own bills and managing all of my own things. Through my work, I'm now able to hire others and provide them with a safe place to stay and a stable life. My journey has gained significant media attention, and I'm currently working on a documentary with big producers that will tell my whole life story - the ups and downs, the issues with schools, the rejection I faced, and what I'm doing now. The documentary will focus on the critical issue that over 82% of people with disabilities are unable to secure employment, and it will be shown at film festivals, schools, and universities across the United States.