Amy Wright

Amy Wright is a social entrepreneur, disability rights advocate, and the co-founder and CEO of "Bitty & Beau's Coffee," a coffee shop chain focused on providing employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After recognizing that more than 80 percent of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed nationwide, Wright and her husband, Ben Wright, established a business model centered on workplace inclusion and disability employment advocacy. Wright previously founded an after-school theater program for children, applying her entrepreneurial experience and commitment to community engagement to the creation of "Bitty & Beau's Coffee," named after two of her children.

The first location opened in Wilmington, North Carolina, and quickly gained national attention, prompting a move to a larger space within six months. The franchise has expanded to 20 coffee shops across 11 states, employing more than 400 people with disabilities and building a significant social media following. "Bitty & Beau's Coffee" is recognized as a movement for human rights and workplace diversity, emphasizing the value of inclusive hiring practices in the coffee industry.

Wright was named CNN Hero of the Year, an honor that included a $100,000 cash prize presented at the annual ceremony in New York. In her acceptance speech, Wright highlighted her commitment to disability inclusion and the importance of changing societal perceptions about people with disabilities. The award brought national attention to her work and established Wright as a leading voice in the disability inclusion and social entrepreneurship sectors.

"Bitty & Beau's Coffee" has been featured on The Today Show, Rachael Ray, CNN, Harry, Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, HLN, People Magazine, and Southern Living Magazine. The Wrights' story has also appeared in Harvard Business Review, further establishing Wright as a thought leader in inclusive business practices. In addition to her work with "Bitty & Beau's Coffee," Wright is a speaker and advocate who addresses disability employment and workplace inclusion at conferences, meetings, and events across the country.

Wright and Ben Wright regularly collaborate with organizations to tailor keynote presentations that address the importance of disability inclusion in the workplace. As co-founders of one of the few for-profit businesses focused on bridging the gap in disability employment in the United States, Wright demonstrates that inclusive business models can drive both social impact and business success.