Lindsay Wrege’s journey from childhood friendships to inclusive entrepreneurship is nothing short of inspiring. As the co-founder of 321 Coffee, she has built a business that’s about more than just great coffee—it’s about providing opportunities for people with disabilities, a group that faces an 80% unemployment rate. What started as a humble college project with a few rented tables and coffee machines has now blossomed into multiple locations, roasting its own coffee and employing over 60 individuals with disabilities. Speaking at the 321 Day: Disability Inclusion in the Workplace conference on World Down Syndrome Day, Wrege emphasized the need for more inclusive hiring practices, telling the audience, “It’s not because they didn’t want to work … it’s because they weren’t given the opportunity.” The event, hosted at Pendo’s headquarters in Raleigh, also featured actress and advocate Sofia Sanchez, who encouraged attendees to take bold steps toward change. With a 500-person waitlist of individuals eager to work at 321 Coffee, Wrege’s mission is far from over—but she’s proving that small risks can lead to big, meaningful change.

Key Points:

• 321 Coffee's Mission: Founded by Lindsay Wrege and Michael Evans to provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Inception & Growth: Began as a small college project at N.C. State University with minimal investment; now boasts multiple locations and over 60 employees.
• Business Case for Inclusion: Wrege emphasized disability inclusion as both a social and economic imperative, noting the 80% unemployment rate among disabled adults.
• Conference Highlights: The 321 Day: Disability Inclusion in the Workplace event featured speakers such as Wrege and actress Sofia Sanchez, who encouraged attendees to take bold steps toward inclusive business practices.
• Community Impact: Demand for jobs at 321 Coffee is high, with a waitlist of 500 individuals hoping for a chance to work.
• Corporate Support: 321 Coffee operates cafes inside tech companies like Pendo and Relias, further highlighting the partnership potential between businesses and inclusive initiatives.
• Key Takeaway: As Wrege put it, “This is why I challenge you to look for the little risks that you can take and consider the amount of reward and collected impact that we can make together.”
  Link to Article