An Extra Helping of Unexpected Twists
Students with learning differences experience sweet success at Houston’s Rocambolesc Gelateria
Alums Mariana Calderon ’24 and Brandon Lin-Shaw ’26 have cool jobs. They work in the Willy Wonka-like Rocambolesc Gelateria in Houston’s high-end Uptown Park area. Spanish restaurateurs, the Roca brothers, opened this sensational ice cream shop 10 years ago—the same brothers responsible for the three Michelin-star El Celler de Can Roca restaurant in Spain. With this level of gourmet credibility, it’s no wonder that Rocambolesc clientele park their Porches and stroll in for out-of-this-world gelato creations.
THE UST CONNECTION
Inside, customers may be met by the welcoming Mariana who recently earned her University of St. Thomas Associate of Applied Science degree in Pragmatic Studies. It’s a trailblazing and transformative two-year program for students with learning differences that would likely interfere with academic success in a traditional university setting. Like Mariana, Brandon has completed his AAS at UST. However, he is continuing his studies to earn the new, game-changing four-year Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Social Innovation and Human Service.
UPON INTERVIEWING MARIANA AND BRANDON FOR JOBS, ROCAMBOLESC GELATERIA RECOGNIZED TOP-NOTCH EMPLOYEES
Isabel Torras, co-owner of the Houston-based Rocambolesc with her husband Ignacio Torras, said, “Just imagine walking into the shop and being greeted by Mariana and Brandon’s huge smiles. They’ve become like a second family to us, and their presence enriches our work environment in ways that are hard to put into words.”
ON A MISSION TO CREATE A MOVEMENT
Godparents to two beloved boys on the autism spectrum, Isabel and Ignacio understand the challenges such young people face, especially when looking for employment. They want to eliminate these obstacles. Consequently, the caring couple is on a mission to lead by example. They aim to create a movement inspiring other businesses to hire individuals with learning differences and reap the rewards. “We know these individuals not only perform their jobs well; they often do them better,” Isabel commented. “Their dedication is something truly special—something I’ve never seen in anyone else. It’s simply a matter of giving them a chance.”
She is aware that many businesses hesitate to hire these truly talented and reliable people due to misinformation and stigma. “Our main goal is to change that narrative and help ease the concerns of parents who worry about what the future holds for their children,” she affirmed.
BEING PART OF THE SOLUTION
Isabel reports that she and Ignacio created a Public Benefit Corporation to generate public awareness and provide opportunities for people with learning differences to develop their potential through employment. They have also partnered with two amazing and supportive organizations in Houston: The Center for Pursuit and The Hub Houston. Each of these groups specializes in training neurodivergent individuals and providing them with choices, growth, independence, and ways to fully contribute to the community.
The insightful businesswoman shares, “We find the benefits of hiring Mariana and Brandon extend beyond the workplace; they touch every aspect of the business, creating a more compassionate and understanding community.”
ABOUT ROCAMBOLESC GELATERIA, MARIANA AND BRANDON
Rocambolesc Gelateria is a fantasy world for children and adults. The shop offers unlimited creativity in the form of soft gelato, popsicles, ice cream-stuffed hot pastries, and more to live an extraordinary (rocambolesc) experience.
With four locations in Spain and the newest in Houston, Rocambolesc Gelateria is known for its award-winning gelato and inclusive employment culture. It brings sweetness and transformative opportunities to the world.
By the way, Mariana, a bilingual flamenco dancer, says her favorite gelato flavor is mango-passion fruit. Brandon, who wants to eventually work in video game design, recommends the fantastic vanilla dressed up with all the add-ons.