READY FOR THE NEXT ADVENTURE
Jackie Trotta loves working with Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
As a student, East Carolina University’s Jacqueline “Jackie” Trotta has been part of the beginning of a successful coffee shop that employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in her hometown of Wilmington.
Following graduation, Trotta will continue working at Bitty & Beau’s Coffee as a manager and will help business owner and 2017 CNN Hero of the Year Amy Wright open a third location in Savannah, Georgia.
“It has meant everything to me,” Trotta said. “I am using God’s hands and feet to help people with disabilities blossom, not only in the work place, but throughout their lives. It has given me such purpose. I absolutely love what I do!”
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Bitty, Jackie Trotta, and Beau – the namesakes of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee. (Submitted photo)
Trotta, a communication major with a concentration in interpersonal/organizational communication, will be one of more than 2,200 ECU students graduating on Dec. 14.
“I plan on using my communication degree with the customer skills that I have learned: team building, managing, marketing and organization skills,” she said.
Jackie Trotta, middle, and Amy Wright, left, encourage their team at Bitty & Beau’s Coffee. (Submitted photo by Matt Ray)
Trotta said she has had an incredible experience at ECU, where she also has been a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma. “The most rewarding experience would have to be seeing how far that I have grown as a person,” she said. “I am always happy and ready for the next adventure. The most challenging part was moving away from home.”
Before transferring as a sophomore to ECU from Cape Fear Community College, Trotta babysat the company’s namesakes, Bitty and Beau, a sister and brother who have Down syndrome.
“Amy came to me and asked if I wanted to manage a coffee shop that she was thinking of opening that employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Trotta said. “That is how I got the position as manager.”
The first store opened in Wilmington in 2016. A second location has since opened in Charleston, with plans for the third and many more shops across the United States, Trotta said.
“I know that I will be very busy between managing and helping with Bitty and Beau,” she said.