This Greenville organization readies 15 new graduates for the working world

Fifteen members of the UP Professional Cohort graduated this month on stage at the Kroc Center for completing the professional development program.

The program which aims to increase independence, self-advocacy and professionalism while providing new job skills through curriculum and team-building activities. The UP Employment Initiative began in 2022 as a partnership with the Barbara Stone Foundation, Windsor Aughtry Hotel Group and Hospitality America to create more inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, according to a news release. In 2023, The Barbara Stone Foundation created the UP Professional Cohort to offer participants of the UP Employment Initiative and others in the community seeking more training around personal and professional development, leadership, soft skills and job readiness.

The 2024 UP Professional Cohort graduates honored on stage were Colin Brown, Andrew Clark, Taylor Eliason, Samuel Fitzgerald, Kadence Graham, Clara Hall, Amanda Hughey, Jake Kellett, Sophia Mauro, William Pearson, Cameron Sanders, Scott Shaner, Aidan Sisam, Hank Weiss and Allison Zehr.

“Many people living with disabilities desire independence, success, an opportunity to upskill, engagement with peers and meaningful employment,” Lara Ceisel, executive director of the Barbara Stone Foundation, said in the release. “The UP Professional Cohort supports these endeavors by increasing confidence and independence, which leads to more community involvement and engagement. We are so proud of their achievements and celebrate the expanding opportunities for more inclusive employment of people with disabilities.”

The next UP Professional Cohort class begins in January 2025 and is managed by the Barbara Stone Foundation’s employment job liaison, Hadlee Hoeksema.