Underestimated

Entrepreneurship, Disability & the Muffin Mystery

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

Filmmaker Katie Stoneburner

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.
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
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

Underestimated: Collette's Journey of Perseverance and Success

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. 
 
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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