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Meet Armando—his smile alone could light up the entire building. He’s the kind of person whose presence feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day, radiating joy and positivity that ripple through the office. His presence reminds you that, sometimes, the simple act of showing up with a good attitude is enough to make the world spin just a little more smoothly.
Armando is a person with a Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD), but his job at American Express Dining Department infuses purpose into his days which he approaches with passion and enthusiasm. You’ll find him tidying up food stations, making sure the microwaves are spotless and overall, keeping the office clean. He is contributing and making a difference. Every task he performs is done with care, attention and a pride that comes from knowing he’s an essential part of the larger whole.
“Hi!” He greets you with a grin so genuine, it feels like the sun breaking through the clouds. Ask him about his job and his response is always simple yet filled with meaning: “I like everything.” And you know he means it.
Armando’s work is centered around the tasks he completes but it’s also about the connections he builds. His coworkers are more than colleagues; they’re his friends, his second family. He talks about Curtis, his supervisor, with affection. Curtis, to Armando, is a big brother—someone who looks out for him, helps him out and makes sure he’s always supported. And Armando, in return, is always ready to help his teammates, his warmth and willingness to pitch in making him the kind of person every office needs.
Armando started his journey at American Express in 2019, and since then, he’s grown in every possible way. His role might seem humble on the surface—cleaning, setting up food stations, maintaining a spotless environment, but there’s nothing ordinary about the way he approaches his work. It’s the care he puts into every detail that elevates his role and makes him indispensable. Every microwave he cleans, every food station he sets up, is done with the quiet dignity of someone who knows they’re part of something bigger. And it’s clear that Armando’s contributions are deeply valued by his team.
But more than the tasks themselves, Armando’s job is a place where his enthusiasm and zest for life are given room to flourish. He loves coming to work, so much, in fact, that although he’s only required to work three days a week, he insists on showing up five days a week. That’s Armando’s dedication in a nutshell. He cherishes the sense of belonging, the sense of purpose, that comes with being part of a work community. He gets a paycheck but to him, his job means more than that. He enjoys the independence it gives him and the knowledge that his job allows him to contribute towards society. He is pleased to receive the respect of his colleagues and gives them his respect in return. Armando is gainfully employed and proud!
Then there’s Rozanne, the Senior Employment Specialist at CP Unlimited, who plays a crucial role in making sure Armando and others like him can shine in their roles. If Armando is the heart of this story, Rozanne is the backbone. She’s the one quietly working behind the scenes, ensuring that people like Armando have the support, advocacy and resources they need to thrive. Her job extends beyond employment—it’s about empowerment. Rozanne helps bridge the gap between employers and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring that both sides are equipped for success.
For her, every day is a balancing act of responsibilities—overseeing her caseload, supporting other employment specialists, and advocating for her clients in the workplace. She’s been with CP Unlimited for over seven years, and in her role as Senior Employment Specialist, she brings a wealth of experience, empathy and commitment to the table. Once the individual has been matched with a job or a role that allows them to perform their tasks with a level of comfort; she is able to provide the supports that will enable the individual to build the type of skills that are necessary for the work environment. Rozanne invests in their long-term success and happiness. It’s clear that for her, inclusive employment is about transforming lives not just filling positions.
Rozanne’s work with Armando has been instrumental. She’s the one making sure his workplace is a welcoming, inclusive environment. She’s there to advocate on his behalf when needed—whether that’s coordinating time off for a doctor’s appointment or ensuring his paychecks are accurate. But her support doesn’t stop at logistics. Rozanne helps Armando navigate the social and emotional aspects of work, too. She guides him in handling relationships with coworkers, encourages him to take his time and focus on quality over speed and teaches him the self-advocacy skills that will serve him for a lifetime. “He likes to move fast,” she laughs, “but I always remind him that it’s about quality, not speed.”
A rare blend of patience, empathy and expertise are needed for this role and Rozanne’s got it! She’s passionate about helping her clients not just succeed at work but feel empowered to stand on their own. One of her main focus is teaching self-advocacy—equipping individuals like Armando with the skills to speak up for themselves, express their needs and set boundaries. “We host group conversations about self-advocacy,” Rozanne explains, “so they can learn to take turns speaking, listening and responding. It’s crucial they learn to express their needs and set boundaries.”
Rozanne’s dedication shines brightest in moments like watching Armando’s success unfold. “It’s amazing to see Armando come to work so happy, so proud to be contributing,” she says with a smile. “He loves his job and knowing that I’ve helped him find that sense of purpose—that’s what keeps me going.”
Her work doesn’t stop with Armando. Rozanne manages a caseload filled with individuals, each with their own unique abilities and challenges. Some need more hands-on guidance, while others, like Armando, benefit from a lighter touch. She provides everything from collaborating with Care Managers family advocates, and medical personnel during Life Plan meetings, preparing action plans with goals and safeguards to guide the individual in executing their tasks while garnering their safety. She also provides job coaching services to advocating for workplace accommodations, ensuring that her clients are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. In many cases, Rozanne also works to educate employers, advocating for an inclusive environment and sometimes stepping in to resolve misunderstandings or address biases when they arise.
When she’s not working directly with her clients, Rozanne is mentoring other employment specialists, helping to build a cohesive, supportive team at CP Unlimited. Her leadership extends beyond her own caseload, allowing her to impact the lives of countless individuals across the organization.
At CP Unlimited, there’s a larger mission of inclusivity: employment transcends just earning a paycheck. It is a source of dignity, independence, and belonging! This is a powerful reminder that every person, regardless of ability, has something valuable to offer. CP Unlimited is helping individuals uncover that value and in doing so, are changing lives, one job placement at a time.