20 under 40: Caitlyn Halsey
In 2019, Caitlyn opened Dialogue Coffee House, an innovative coffee shop that has an employee base of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dialogue Coffee House gives everyone a place to be part of the conversation, without the definition of one’s abilities. In addition to all it takes to effectively manage a small business, each day Caitlyn has the unique opportunity to coach her team on job, life and social skills.
Within our community, Caitlyn serves as the business development co-chair for Forge and as a group leader for YoungLife. She also volunteers with Special Olympics of Kansas and at events such as Tim Tebow’s “Night to Shine.”
Through volunteer and learning opportunities in our community, she discovered that each person who makes up a community comes with a unique story and background. This understanding has become the foundation that Dialogue Coffee House began on, a desire to know an individual’s story and a desire to help shape them for a brighter future.
What is your favorite thing about being a small business owner?
Owning and operating a small business brings many joys, but my favorite is the unique friendships that develop in my little space of Topeka.
What’s trait do you admire in people?
Resilience. I admire when people can quickly bounce back from a tough situation because it shows their deep interest in growing and moving forward.
What excites you about your work?
My passion is to be an advocate for my friends with disabilities. I love waking up knowing Topeka is just starting to see and change the conversation on what it means to have a disability.
What is something that everyone should know about you?
I am an introvert through and through. Yet, this allows me to listen intently to people’s stories.
What advice would you offer someone starting a career journey?
Everyone’s journey is different and you write the definition of your success. The road to a successful career can, but does not always include a four year degree.
Who is your hero?
Jesus Christ. In the Bible, He models so clearly what it looks like to love others well.
