Page 10 - JOD Program 2017 all pages_Neat

Silvia Planas-Prats held an executive leadership role
with DuPont Corporation in Barcelona, Spain. While
working at DuPont, she was running late one morning
for a conference call which ultimately became the
catalyst that changed her destiny. Once on the
c
conferenceonference call she apologized to her colleagues for
running late and decided to be honest as to the reason
why: she had a son with autism and this morning he
had a tantrum. At the end of the call, one of the executives on the other end of the
line spoke to her at length about his own son with autism and all the wonderful
schooling opportunities America had to offer. It was then and there that Silvia
decided to move her family to the States. She and her husband decided it was the
best thing to do for their family and Miami became the ultimate destination.

Letting go of her career at DuPont was not easy, but Silvia knew it was the most
important decision of her life and the best way to give her son Marc amazing
o
opporpportunities he otherwise would not have had. With determination, she sought
the services and supports of UM/NSU CARD and Parent to Parent of Miami and
became a strong advocate for her son. As she learned new systems of supports
available in her new country, she soon questioned what Marc’s future would look
like. What would the future hold for Marc and young adults with autism?

A As Silvia quickly realized, companies seldom hire adults with disabilities. She was
convinced that a social revolution was needed and not just stand by and wait for
employers to change their hiring policies. Silvia decided to take this employment
challenge head on, and opened Miami Is Kind, a bakery determined to be the first
employing young professionals with autism and other disabilities in South Florida.

M
Miamiiami Is Kind currently employs six bakers and have been active in the community
selling at farmers markets in Pinecrest and Coral Gables and most recently have
been selling their macaroons at Whole Foods Markets. Miami Is Kind will also be
sold at Miami International Airport which is an amazing expansion and builds the
way for future growth.

S
Silviailvia knows that with adequate instruction, a properly structured workplace, and
an enjoyable learning atmosphere, young adults with disabilities can excel in a
workplace and can make the companies they work for profitable. Her hope is that
Miami Is Kind inspires a social revolution that will give job opportunities and hope
to so many young adults with autism and other disabilities in Miami and inspire
other companies to follow.