Persistence, resilience, and self-belief are the keys to success, and Collette Divitto is living proof of this. Born with Down syndrome, Collette faced countless rejections in her quest for employment, but instead of letting prejudice define her, she chose to redefine her path. Today, she is the proud founder and CEO of Collettey’s Cookies, a flourishing bakery that has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for people with disabilities.
A Childhood of Love and Strength
Collette’s journey began with the unwavering support of her mother, Rosemary Alfredo, who never allowed her daughter’s disability to limit her potential. “I never felt the need to tell her she’s different,” Rosemary shared. “To me, it was just a label. We all have strengths and weaknesses.” Raised to respect herself and others, Collette developed a strong sense of self-worth early in life.
However, stepping outside the family’s protective sphere brought challenges. In fourth grade, a classmate’s cruel taunt forced Collette to confront the reality of societal biases. From that moment, she worked tirelessly to “blend in” and prove her worth.
Despite the isolation and bullying she endured during middle and high school, Collette found solace in baking. “It was a hard time for me,” she recalled. “I had no friends, no social life, and that’s why I started taking baking classes.”
The Turning Point
Collette’s life began to transform after high school when she attended a university in South Carolina. Immersing herself in a typical college experience, she thrived academically and socially. But upon graduation, she faced another harsh reality: the job market was not as accepting as her college community.
Rejection after rejection left Collette disheartened. “It felt like they didn’t like me at all because of who I am,” she said. Her mother, heartbroken by the discrimination, noted, “To see her thrive in college and then face such rejection was a disappointment in humanity.”
Turning Passion Into a Business
Determined not to let others dictate her future, Collette decided to channel her lifelong passion for baking into a career. With her mother’s support, she founded Collettey’s Cookies in Boston in 2016. Her signature creation, the “Amazing Cookie”—a cinnamon chocolate chip delight—quickly became a hit, earning rave reviews and sparking the bakery’s success.
Within five years, Collettey’s Cookies surpassed $1 million in sales. The bakery now employs 15 staff members, including individuals with disabilities, a testament to Collette’s mission of inclusion. “My favorite part of my company is creating more jobs for people with all types of disabilities,” she said.
Empowering Others
Collette’s impact extends beyond her bakery. She founded Collettey’s Leadership Org, which helps people with disabilities prepare for careers and achieve independence. Through her work, Collette inspires others to focus on their abilities rather than their limitations.
“You have to focus on your abilities and not the disadvantages,” she emphasized. “Do not let people bring you down, and don’t give up on your dreams. When one door closes, another door opens.”
A Role Model for All
Collette’s story is one of triumph over adversity, driven by determination and love. She continues to grow her business while advocating for inclusivity and breaking down barriers for people with disabilities.
As she reflects on her journey, Collette proudly declares, “I am who I am, and I’m proud of that. For people with disabilities who want jobs so badly, my message is: don’t give up. You’re capable of so much more than the world gives you credit for.”
Collette Divitto’s journey is a powerful reminder that success is not determined by others’ perceptions but by one’s perseverance and belief in their dreams.
