Founded in Shanghai, China in 2020, Give & Take Coffee is a social enterprise redefining accessibility and inclusivity in the workplace. 90% of its workforce are people who live with a disability and are empowered as baristas and managers to co-create cafés that remove both social and physical barriers. Through innovative assistive technologies, like AR-glasses for employees, along with specially designed store layouts and coffee machines, environments are created where everyone thrives. By 2024, Give & Take Coffee has grown to employ 103 people, 93 of whom live with a disability, across 14 stores in China, a location in Singapore, and a coffee farm.
Yiyi Becky Chen is the Cofounder of Blind Barista Store (Dark Roast by Give and Take Coffee), Director of Charities at Give and Take Coffee, Brand Ambassador of Never Mind Cafe
She’s a passionate advocate for inclusive education and well-being in China, with a comprehensive background in international education, primary education, psychology, inclusive education, and psychological research. She graduated from Harvard with a Master’s degree in Human Development and Education, specializing in school counseling. Prior to this, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. She's also an Education Doctor Degree Candidate.
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Additional questions
Pronouns
she/her
I speak the following languages:
ChineseEnglish
Areas of Activity
Employment
Supported EmploymentVocational TrainingTransition models from sheltered workshopsEntrepreneurship and micro-financeMatchmakingHigher education to prepare for the labour marketInclusive Arts
ICT (Information and Communication Technologies)
Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning / Big Data SolutionsInternet of ThingsMobile Services and Smartphone AppsRobotics and Automated MachinerySocial MediaTranslation/Conversation Tools
Other Areas of Activity
EducationIndependent Living and Political ParticipationAccessibility
At #ZeroCon25, I am looking for...
ConsultingIncrease expertise in accessibility and inclusionInvitations to international conferencesLicensing PartnershipsNetworkingProject CooperationsResearch Cooperations
At #ZeroCon25, I am offering...
Increase expertise in accessibility and inclusionInvitations to international conferencesLicensing PartnershipsNetworkingProject CooperationsResearch CooperationsConsultingFinancing/Investment
The Zero Project Awardees in this session illustrate how small organizations can catalyze change around the world as inclusion champions, be it in New Zealand, Lithuania, or elsewhere.