When her son was diagnosed with autism at 18 months of age, Andrea Ratfield began to recognize the importance of providing children and young adults with safe spaces to gather and connect face-to-face. This led her to the 2023 launch of Hope Filled Cafe, a nonprofit that addresses the 85% unemployment rate for young adults with autism and cognitive disabilities. Currently building out its brick-and-mortar location in Orono, Hope Filled Cafe will provide tailored job training, support, connection, and an accommodating work environment to neurodiverse employees. The organization also aims to offer a safe youth hangout space to foster community, education, and connection. A captain with Delta Air Lines, Ratfield also co-founded Female Aviators Sticking Together (FAST), to support women pilots in advancing their careers.