Community Partnerships
Not only is Leandro a successful, self-made entrepreneur, his business is the culmination of his hard work and dedication, as well as the CEO of Easterseals South Florida, Camila Rocha’s desire to create a collaborative vocational program. Bonacossa notes the Coffee on Wheels program is a “companion piece” of the Culinary Arts program. The vocational skills learned from both Coffee on Wheels and the Culinary Arts are then reflected in the ways disabled individuals can serve others, as well as gives them numerous opportunities to grow within their communities.
“[Coffee on Wheels] was an idea that came originally from our CEO because she understood it was a way for our students to be trained on a rotating basis and start practicing within our own school environment,” Bonacossa said. “Leandro being part of this wonderful initiative that he received through the Idea Center is a testament to the work that we’ve been wanting to do, and we’ve been wanting to let the community know about the amazing potential of students like Leandro.”
Bonacossa notes the partnership between Easterseals South Florida and Miami Dade College was initiated by Transition Services Program Coordinator, Ana Maya. The entrepreneurship programs offered by the Idea Center at Miami Dade College encouraged friendly and meaningful competitions amongst different communities and wanted Easterseals South Florida to be able to provide students opportunities to compete. The winner was offered a cash prize to help kickstart their own business, to assist underrepresented communities.
“The idea behind the Idea Center was for participants who come from different communities,” Bonacossa said. “Leandro and Jalen, the other student that participated, fit that bill. The students who competed pitched their business model. Leandro worked closely with our Transition Services Coordinator, Ms. Ana. She works with our community partners to make sure that our students, while they’re enrolled in school, and even after they graduate, receive opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and professional developments, eventually getting job placements.”
Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
At the time of the Idea Center competition, Leandro was just 16 years old. Now, at 17, he is already leading a successful business that allows him to continuously interact with and serve his community. To coincide with Leo’s Coffee, Leandro also works at a car wash delivery service. Everything he does at such a young age is proof of the importance of hard work and dedication. And, as Bonacossa notes, Leandro has always had this strong work ethic and desire to serve his community.
“Leandro, for three years in a row, participated in our biggest event of the year; it’s called Festival of Chefs, it’s a culinary experience.” Bonacossa said. “We invite chefs from all types of cuisines and all walks of life, and Leandro has done a great job with his station, the other students, the chef instructor, and staff. [Festival of Chefs] is great because it showcases our students and the work they do, and it gives them an exposure to learn from [chefs] and eventually get opportunities from them.”
Beyond Easterseals South Florida, Leandro is demonstrating the fruits of hard work and dedication. Not only is he the perfect example of the success of the partnership between Easterseals South Florida and Miami Dade College, but he also proves that disabled people can and should be within the workforce. Starting a business can be terrifying, but as Leandro shows, it can be a rewarding venture that allows you to connect with your community, and more importantly, make others happy. Leo’s Coffee is tangible and delicious proof that owning a business is a dream come true.
“Work for your dreams until you have everything you want,” Leandro said.
