Rosemary and Collette welcome Collette’s sister Blake. The trio discusses Blake's recent trip from Vancouver to renew her driver’s license in Boston, her engagement to a Canadian, and the challenges of long-distance travel. They reminisce about their travels to Vancouver and Las Vegas, share humorous family anecdotes, and navigate topics such as wedding planning, work-life balance, and unexpected life experiences. The episode also features Collette's cookie business, her upcoming award from Easter Seals, and a heartfelt discussion about family support and love.   Topics 00:30 License Renewal Drama 00:49 Boston vs. Vancouver 01:48 Airline Frustrations 03:24 First Class and Celebrity Status 09:15 Vegas Adventures 19:17 Wedding Plans and Maid of Honor 28:11 A Call from Blake 28:16 Going Viral and Busy Times 28:32 Networking and Opportunities 28:49 Parenting Reflections 29:17 Standing Up to Mom 30:36 Achievements and Awards 33:36 Film Festivals and Documentaries 49:09 Dinner Plans and Recipes 51:06 Wrapping Up and Goodbyes

Collette and Rosemary discuss various topics including their recent activities, entrepreneurship, and advocacy for people with disabilities. They share updates about Collette's bustling week filled with company tours for individuals with disabilities and the visit of a German film crew documenting her work. The conversation also explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding disability and entrepreneurship, particularly in different countries. Collette and Rosemary delve into personal anecdotes, such as Collette's experiences with her aide in school, and the significant impact of guardianship laws on their lives. Moreover, they highlight the importance of meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities and Collette’s mission to change perceptions. The episode is peppered with discussions about their new children's book inspired by their late bulldog, Lulu, and its heartwarming theme. Ending on a lighter note, they discuss their love for live music, their favorite TV shows, and plan for future podcasts to continue their advocacy and storytelling.   Documentary on Collette (trailer): https://youtu.be/KJrgtnjw5Ug?si=-fXYGk3rZmn3_OCJ THEY SAID: World Down Syndrome Day 2025: https://youtu.be/XNE4F1YaRj0?si=UiNNqrlPnvGAvnfk   Topics 00:48 Busy Week Recap 01:26 Property Tour and Cookie Baking 03:23 German TV Documentary 08:04 Muffin Story and School Memories 17:04 Guardianship Challenges 24:11 Understanding Proxies and Their Uses 25:09 The Cookie Business: Why Cookies? 25:55 The Art of Baking: Perfecting Cookies 29:50 Remembering Lulu: A Beloved Bulldog 33:24 Creating a Children's Book About Lulu 34:44 Collette's Employee and His Artistic Talent 37:19 Discussing the Book: The Best Life Possible 45:39 Changing Perceptions of Disabilities 46:06 Documentary on Collette: 17% 47:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics

Collette and Rosemary are joined by filmmaker Katie Stoneburner to discuss entrepreneurial endeavors, the creation of job opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and the upcoming projects aimed at raising awareness about Down syndrome. The trio reflects on memorable experiences from filming for Down Syndrome Day campaigns to attending events in New York, highlighting the transformative power of resilience, friendship, and positive thinking.   Topics 01:50 Katie's Journey to Filmmaking 03:12 Meeting Collette and Filming Adventures 03:44 New York Gala and Tequila 05:10 Family Stories and Auction Mishaps 11:36 Reflections on Overcoming Stereotypes 22:54 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth 23:40 Embracing Positivity and Journaling 24:10 Achievements and Overcoming Challenges 26:54 Weight Management Struggles 30:12 Future Projects and Opportunities 33:10 Cookie Business and Family Stories 38:42 Books and Education 43:50 Podcasting and Final Thoughts

In their inaugural podcast 'Underestimated,' Rosemary Alfredo and her daughter Collette Divitto discuss the many obstacles and adversities Collette has faced and overcome in her life. Born with Down syndrome, Collette defied expectations to become the CEO and founder of two companies. The episode highlights her early struggles in school, being bullied and misunderstood by peers and teachers, and the challenges of navigating the education system. Collette found comfort and purpose in baking, which eventually led her to start her own business Collettey's Cookies despite numerous rejections and setbacks in the job market. Collette and Rosemary also talk about Collette’s journey through high school and college, the support of her mother, and her determination to live independently. They emphasize the importance of believing in oneself and the mission of creating opportunities for people with disabilities.    Find us on social media! X colletteycookie IG colletteyscookies LinkedIn Collette Divitto FB Colletteys Cookies   Topics 00:45 Meet Collette: Overcoming Expectations 01:13 The Decision to Start a Podcast 02:42 Collette's High School Struggles 03:16 Finding Solace in Baking 06:56 The Turning Point: Baking Class 10:53 College Journey and Challenges 15:33 Life in Boston 16:36 Living Independently 21:58 Understanding Your True Self 22:20 Starting a New Business Journey 22:36 Facing Job Rejections and Volunteering 24:09 Struggles with Employment and Advocacy 29:26 Launching a Successful Cookie Business 31:29 Empowering Others with Disabilities 35:16 Balancing Business and Personal Life 37:48 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans