In the dynamic landscape of social entrepreneurship, a name to know about is Seri Roth. A visionary leader and advocate for change, Seri has left an indelible mark on the world through her innovative ventures and unwavering commitment to making a difference. From the inception of A Dollar Campaign to the transformative impact of Step Up Magazine, this entrepreneur’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, purpose, and perseverance in driving meaningful change.
Seri’s entrepreneurial odyssey began with a simple yet profound mission—to harness the collective power of community in the fight against pediatric cancer. With the founding of A Dollar Campaign during her high school years, she demonstrated her innate ability to mobilize resources and rally support for causes close to her heart. Through grassroots activism and unwavering determination, she laid the groundwork for a legacy defined by compassion and advocacy.
As Seri transitioned into launching Step Up Magazine, her entrepreneurial spirit continued to soar to new heights. With a keen focus on amplifying the voices of young adults and fostering a culture of empowerment, Step Up Magazine became a beacon of inspiration in the digital sphere. A visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to social impact propelled the platform to the forefront of youth empowerment, shaping the aspirations of a generation and igniting a passion for positive change.
Now, on the cusp of her latest venture with the upcoming launch of Boston Queers, Seri stands poised to redefine the landscape of LGBTQ+ advocacy and entrepreneurship. With Boston Queers, she aims to create a vibrant online directory and community platform that celebrates and elevates queer-owned businesses across New England. As we delve into Seri’s entrepreneurial journey and celebrate her past achievements, we eagerly anticipate the transformative impact she will undoubtedly continue to make in the realms of social entrepreneurship and advocacy.
An Inspiring Journey from Non-Profit Pioneer to Queer Business Champion
From her early days founding a non-profit organization, to her role as the publisher and editor of an online magazine, this entrepreneur has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to making a difference in the world. Now, she is gearing up for her latest venture: Boston Queers. In this exclusive interview, Roth shares insights into her entrepreneurial journey, her vision for Boston Queers, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Q: What inspired you to start Boston Queers, and what is its mission?
A: Boston Queers was born out of a personal need to find and support queer-owned businesses while planning my wedding with my fiancée. We realized that there was a lack of comprehensive resources for locating LGBTQ+ businesses in New England, and I saw an opportunity to fill that gap. The mission of Boston Queers is to support, center, and promote queer-owned small businesses in the region. We want to create a platform where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies can easily find and patronize businesses that align with their values and identities.
Q: Can you tell us more about the features of Boston Queers and what users can expect?
A: Absolutely! Boston Queers will offer a user-friendly directory of LGBTQ+ businesses, making it simple for users to discover and support local entrepreneurs. In addition to the directory, we’ll have a monthly newsletter highlighting our favorite queer-owned businesses, community events, and employment opportunities. Our blog will feature content from the queer New England community, sharing stories and perspectives that celebrate diversity and inclusion. We’re also building a Facebook page to connect LGBTQ+ individuals and allies with queer business owners in their local areas.
Q: How do your previous ventures, such as A Dollar Campaign and Step Up Magazine, inform your work with Boston Queers?
A: My experiences with A Dollar Campaign and Step Up Magazine have been invaluable in shaping my approach to Boston Queers. A Dollar Campaign taught me the importance of community support and collective action in driving meaningful change. Step Up Magazine showed me the power of storytelling and the impact of creating inclusive spaces for diverse voices. With Boston Queers, I’m combining these lessons to create a platform that celebrates and uplifts LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs while fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity within the community.
Q: What challenges have you encountered in launching Boston Queers, and how have you overcome them?
A: Like any new venture, launching Boston Queers has come with its share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been building the infrastructure and network needed to support a comprehensive directory of businesses. We’ve been working tirelessly to reach out to entrepreneurs, gather information, and create a user-friendly platform that meets the needs of our community. It’s been a collaborative effort, and I’m grateful for the support of our team and partners in overcoming these challenges.
Q: What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs interested in creating platforms for social good?
A: My advice would be to start with a clear vision and a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of your target audience. Take the time to listen to their stories, engage with the community, and build relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. And most importantly, stay true to your values and mission, even in the face of obstacles and setbacks. Creating meaningful change takes time and perseverance, but the impact it can have on individuals and communities is immeasurable.
Q: What are your goals for Boston Queers in the coming months, and how do you plan to achieve them?
A: In the coming months, our primary goal is to continue expanding and refining the platform to better serve the needs of our community. We’re focused on growing our directory, increasing our outreach efforts, and building partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations and businesses across New England. We also plan to launch additional features, such as user reviews and ratings, to enhance the user experience and foster greater community engagement. Ultimately, we plan to offer a job directory that will allow users to search for open positions and career opportunities from inclusive employers. The end goal is to establish Boston Queers as a leading resource and hub for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship in the region.
Conclusion
As Seri Roth embarks on this new chapter with Boston Queers, her passion for social impact and community empowerment shines through. With her unwavering dedication and innovative spirit, she is poised to revolutionize the way LGBTQ+ businesses are celebrated and supported in New England and beyond. Through Boston Queers, Roth is not only building a platform for economic empowerment but also creating a space for queer individuals and allies to connect, thrive, and make a difference in their communities.
