Aspire

10/21/2026

Two team members, new skills, and double the reasons to celebrate! ☕💙

Meet Alicia and Marcus, two members of the Aspire CoffeeWorks team who have been putting in the work and building their skills this year!

From learning how to seal coffee bags to confidently using the 5 lb. machine, Alicia and Marcus have been taking on new responsibilities, growing their confidence, and working alongside their teammates to keep the coffee flowing. Every bag sealed and every new skill mastered is another accomplishment worth celebrating!

We're so proud of Alicia and Marcus for their hard work, dedication, and everything they bring to the CoffeeWorks team. Keep up the amazing work! 💪

This , we're celebrating the people behind the coffee and all the possibilities that come with meaningful employment.

10/20/2026

26.2 miles of determination, dedication, and SO much to celebrate! 🏅💙

What an unforgettable day at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon! From the excitement of cheering along the course to watching our amazing Team Aspire runners cross the finish line, every moment was filled with energy, encouragement, and Aspire spirit!

After months of early mornings, countless training miles, and hard work, our incredible runners put it all together on race day, and we couldn't be more proud!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out to cheer, celebrate, and show their support. You helped make every mile that much more meaningful, and you helped to raise an incredible $23,000!

To our runners, YOU DID IT! Your dedication, perseverance, and accomplishments deserve all the celebration in the world.

We're already counting down the days until next year's marathon, and if you would like to be a part of our amazing team please click the link below! 🎉

https://aspirechicago.com/get-involved/chicago-marathon-2027/

10/16/2026

Diana had a dream, and now she's making it happen! 👩‍🍳💙

From learning her way around the kitchen to building the confidence and skills to pursue a career in food service, Diana has so much to celebrate!

After completing our Food Services Employment Training Program, Diana turned her longtime dream of working in a restaurant into a reality. And recently, she took her story to the spotlight!

Diana recently joined Aspire CEO Serena Alaily on CAN TV to share her accomplishments, her love for food service, and the determination that helped her reach her goals.

Her message to anyone chasing a dream?

“Do not let anyone say you can't do it because you can. I did it and so can you.”

We're so proud of you, Diana! Keep dreaming big and showing the world what's possible.

🍽️ Read Diana's story and watch her CAN TV feature using the link below!

https://aspirechicago.com/news/aspire-to-inspire-dianas-recipe-for-making-a-food-service-dream-job-a-reality/

Diana was featured on CAN-TV along with Aspire CEO Serena Alaily, click here to view her amazing segment. Diana can…

10/15/2026

A job can mean so much more than a paycheck. 💙

It can mean learning a skill you’ve never tried before. Taking on a new responsibility and realizing, “I can do this.” Working alongside teammates who count on you. Feeling proud of what you accomplished at the end of the day.

Throughout National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re celebrating all of those moments at Aspire CoffeeWorks.

Because every new skill, growing confidence, and job well done is another reason to celebrate what’s possible. ☕

10/14/2026

What does having a job mean to Rene? 💙

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re putting the spotlight on the people who make Aspire CoffeeWorks possible, continuing with Rene!

Whether he’s packaging coffee, preparing pallets, or taking on new responsibilities, Rene continues to bring his talents to the team while building new skills along the way.

We’re excited to celebrate Rene and everything he brings to CoffeeWorks! ☕

10/09/2026

What does having a job mean to Marcus? ☕

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re celebrating Marcus and everything he brings to Aspire CoffeeWorks.

From learning new skills to taking on new responsibilities, every workday is another opportunity to contribute, connect with teammates, and feel proud of a job well done.

Keep shining, Marcus! 💙

10/07/2026

What does having a job mean to Alicia? 💙

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re celebrating Alicia and hearing what being part of the Aspire CoffeeWorks team means to her.

Every workday brings new opportunities to learn, contribute, and take pride in a job well done. And Alicia has plenty to be proud of!

We’re excited to celebrate her and everything she brings to CoffeeWorks. ☕

10/07/2026

What does having a job mean to Ben? 💙

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re putting the spotlight on the people who make Aspire CoffeeWorks possible, starting with Ben!

Ben brings his skills and personality to the Aspire CoffeeWorks team every day, and he continues to find new ways to grow along the way.

That’s something worth celebrating, not only during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, but all year long! ☕

10/05/2026

In case you missed it, Diana has a story worth hearing. 💙

Aspire CEO Serena Alaily recently returned to CAN TV and Chicago Newsroom 2.0, this time alongside Diana, a graduate of the first cohort of Aspire’s Food Service Employment Training Program.

Diana shared how hands-on training helped her build skills in food safety, teamwork, and restaurant operations, and how all that practice helped her reach something she had dreamed about since she was a little girl: a job in food service.

Her message for anyone working toward a goal of their own?

“Do not let anyone say you can’t do it because you can. I did it, and so can you.”

Watch Diana and Serena’s full CAN TV conversation to hear more about Diana’s experience and what’s next for Aspire’s Food Service Employment Training Program. 📺

https://aspirechicago.com/news/from-training-to-a-dream-job-serena-and-diana-on-can-tv/

10/05/2026

Happy National Coffee Day! ☕💙

Today, we’re raising our mugs to coffee that’s !

With Aspire CoffeeWorks, every cup has a story behind it. From Bold Ambition and Everyday Inspiration to Possibilities, each roast is ground and packaged by people with disabilities, with names that celebrate the talent, purpose, and possibility behind every cup.

Even better, 100% of the net proceeds benefit Aspire, helping create more opportunities for people with disabilities to pursue their goals, build meaningful relationships, and experience lives filled with purpose and possibility.

Celebrate National Coffee Day with a cup that gives back! ☕

🌟 Get your bag of Aspire Coffeeworks today using the link below!

https://aspirecoffeeworks.com/collections/frontpage