After the birth of her second child, Oliver, Dr. Brooke Goodspeed began a journey in revolutionizing the concept of inclusive employment through her innovative venture, GET Café. As the Founder and Executive Director of GETincluded, Inc., Brooke has created a space that fosters community for neurodiverse individuals.

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Celebrating exceptional local women making significant impacts in our community.

Our 2024 Women of Influence Award Winners were nominated by peers and selected by the Family Focus Media team based on their achievements and dedication to creating positive change, as revealed through comprehensive questionnaires. Their profiles showcase their inspiring journeys and accomplishments.

Beyond the awards, our Women of Influence Luncheons and Speed Networking Night attendees form our growing “Women of Influence Network,” a community fostering connections, collaboration, and mutual support. We invite you to explore our Award Winners’ stories and leverage our Network Directory in the Women of Influence Guide. Reach out to fellow members to harness the power of our network through shared growth and support. For further engagement, we welcome business and nonprofit leaders to join our Family Focus Media Community Builders Group on Facebook and our NEW Women of Influence LinkedIn Group.

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Nominated by Carrie Stricker, Friend and Board Member

“Dr. Brooke Goodspeed is the Founder and owner of GET café, a non-profit that employs neurodiverse individuals, and is part of the parent non-profit GETIncluded.org, which is dedicated to inclusion and sustainable employment for individuals of all abilities. Although Ollie – who is now 14 – is the inspiration and heart of the café, Brooke’s passion to see that each person has an opportunity to find value in work has carried the café to the successful place it is today. Her strong belief – that each person is capable of work and that work is vital to one’s well-being and a healthy identity – has enabled the growth of a successful café in downtown Narberth that, to date, has provided employment opportunities to over 50 neurodiverse individuals, many of who move on to jobs elsewhere in the community.”

A Mother’s Love Sparks a Movement

Brooke’s path to social entrepreneurship was paved by her experience as a mother. “My work has been inspired first and foremost by my lived experience of parenting a child with a disability while also raising my other two children,” Brooke explains. This journey gave her a deep understanding of the unique challenges and joys that come with advocating for and supporting a child with complex needs.

Her son Oliver, affectionately known as Ollie, became the catalyst for GET Café. Brooke wanted to ensure that there would be a place of work for her son in the future. This year, that vision became a reality when Ollie began working at the café once per week.

Bridging Healthcare and Social Inclusion

As a nurse and researcher, Brooke’s professional background further influenced her decision to explore how community engagement can positively impact physical and mental well-being. “Through GETincluded + GET Café, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of inclusion and belonging,” she shares.

This unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise has allowed Brooke to create a model that goes beyond traditional employment. GET Café is not just a workplace; it’s a training ground, a community hub, and a catalyst for changing perceptions about neurodiversity.

Creating Ripples of Change

The impact of GET Café extends far beyond its walls. “Our work has influenced lasting change for dozens of volunteers and over 50 employees to date, many of whom struggled to find meaningful employment and training opportunities before joining us,” Brooke proudly states. The café has become a beloved fixture in Narberth, drawing customers from all walks of life and spreading the message of inclusion throughout the community.

Brooke’s vision has resonated deeply with the local community. As one speaker at the recent GET Gala put it, “Come for the coffee, stay for the vibe!” This sentiment captures the essence of what Brooke has created – a space that not only serves great coffee but also nurtures a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Lessons in Leadership and Perseverance

For those aspiring to make a meaningful impact, Brooke offers inspiring advice: “Go for it! Embrace the inevitable mistakes that will be made along the journey – they will be moments of tremendous personal growth and development.” She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with mentors and experts, and leading with both assertion and humility.

Brooke’s journey with GET Café and GETincluded demonstrates the power of perseverance and passion. “Remember that meaningful impact is not just about the end goal but also about the process of learning, evolving, and lifting others along the way,” she advises.

Looking to the Future

As GET Café prepares to move into its new home in Narberth in 2025, Brooke continues to dream big. Her work has changed the fabric of the Narberth community, creating a more inclusive and understanding environment for all.