Rising Kites Coffee Shop 

Our speakers were Danielle Grandholm and Sarah Kwak, who were inspired by her daughter, Sammie, who was born with a surprise diagnosis of Down Syndrome. In their journey to find support for individuals with Down Syndrome, they launched the Rising Kites bag program in 2021. It provides bags with resources and supplies to help those with Down Syndrome. and gave out over 3,300 bags in 2021, to families in 50 states and 22 countries.

Next, they started Rising Kites Coffee and Rising Kites Flowers to provide employment opportunities for those with Down Syndrome.  The Coffee Shop, which opened in May of 2024, has 13 employees.

The Rising Kites Flowers started in June 2025 and employs four individuals who provide flower subscriptions.