Multiple dates

Coffee, Questions & Community: A Cozy Q&A for Autism Awareness

Cozy chat for parents, family & community leaders to ask real questions about Autism & learn how to better support our Littles.

By Rae & Co.

Location

Her Name Was Irene Coffee and Internet Cafe

2104 Pease Street Houston, TX 77003

About this event

Hosted by Rae at Her Name Was Irene Coffee & Internet Café

Whether you're a parent in the thick of it, a family member wanting to help but unsure how, or a community leader trying to better support the Littles around you—this space is for you.

Pull up a chair, grab your favorite drink, and bring your honest questions—especially the ones you’ve been too nervous to ask anywhere else.

This isn’t a lecture or a panel. It’s an intimate coffee chat with someone walking the same road, where you’re invited to:

Ask about the signs, systems, and next steps around Autism
Learn how to support families navigating special education
Get real talk on ARD meetings, IEPs, and school advocacy
Explore how we, as community members, can remove stigma and help our kids thrive
Connect with others who want to do right by the children in our communities

You don’t need the right words.You just need the heart to show up.

👩🏽‍💻 About the Host

Your host, Rae (some folks call her Cathi Rae), is a Southern-rooted systems thinker, mother of four, and advocate by lived experience—not title. She’s spent her life building structure around chaos, clarity inside of overwhelm, and safe space for people who’ve had to figure things out the hard way.

Her work began in the world of business operations and logistics, but over time, God began rerouting her toward deeper service: advocating for neurodivergent children, supporting families navigating special education, and helping entire communities rise with them.

She’s not a professional expert—she’s a parent in it, with four Littles of her own:An 18-year-old daughter preparing to become a teacher,A 14-year-old Girl Scout whose dyslexia journey was Rae’s first real walk through the ARD system,An 8-year-old son—late-diagnosed, autistic, and already a little entrepreneur,And a 5-year-old with a quick mind, bold spirit, and no shortage of adventure.

Rae now creates spaces that reflect her own journey—imperfect, real, and rooted in purpose.She hosts three types of events year-round, all under the Rae & Co. umbrella:

Family & Fun – Lighthearted gatherings meant to spark joy, connection, and release. Sometimes kid-friendly, sometimes just for Bigs.
Fundamental – Intimate, grounded spaces like this one, focused on autism awareness, special education, and advocacy for underserved families.
Faith – Quiet, reflective gatherings like Jesus & Journaling that make space for presence, direction, and spiritual grounding.

Everything Rae offers is designed to serve the whole person—not just the part that shows up for the meeting.

If you're looking for a space to keep showing up, asking questions, or just being seen—you’re always welcome here.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know someone with autism to attend?

Not at all. This space is for anyone who wants to understand more—whether you’re a parent, family member, teacher, church leader, or neighbor who cares.

I have questions that feel a little awkward or “off.” Can I still ask them?

Yes. That’s exactly what this space is for. You don’t need perfect language—just a willingness to learn and love better.

Is this just for parents?

Nope. While parents are a big part of the conversation, this is also for Bigs who want to support Littles in their world—siblings, aunties, uncles, cousins, educators, barbers, community leaders, all of y’all.

Will you talk about school stuff like ARDs and IEPs?

Absolutely. We’ll cover as much or as little as the group needs—from school support to diagnosis to therapy and beyond.

Is this a one-time thing?

This conversation happens regularly throughout the year. You're welcome to come back as often as you need—every time is a little different.

Can I bring a friend or family member?

Yes, please do. Sometimes the best thing we can do for a child is learn together as adults.

Is this space religious?

Not formally. Rae follows Jesus, cusses a little, laughs loud, and meets folks where they are. God will come up. She speaks freely, so if Jesus offends you, check it at the door. She’s not here to debate—just to serve with love and hold space rooted in grace.

Organized by

Rae & Co.

Hey Hey,

Rae is the founder of Rae & Co.—a Southern-rooted brand built on clarity, systems, faith, and fierce advocacy. She’s a Special Education and Autism Advocate, a systems whisperer for small brands making big waves, and an Elder to The FAM, a circle of first-gen founders walking out purpose together.

This Eventbrite page reflects Rae’s real-life rhythm: Q&A calls for parents and community leaders, space for neurodivergent families, the occasional faith-based Challenge, and whatever else feels right in the moment.

Some call it random. That's just Cathi Rae.

Whatever brought you here, welcome. You belong in the room.

#ShineBright ✨

TTFN,