INSPIRED IMPACT is an ongoing blog series that gives voice to social entrepreneurs and leaders of mission-driven organizations who are making an impact in their communities and industries.
Seleyn DeYarus is the Co-founder/Executive Director of At the Epicenter. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube and learn more at attheepicenter.com.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
At the Epicenter is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that produces a speaker and conference series cultivating principle-based leadership and entrepreneurship.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
Our commitment is to bring cutting edge influencers into conversation with peers and communities around the nation. We showcase leaders that illustrate the possibility of business as a force for good, creating right livelihood, regenerating the health of our communities and the earth while achieving shared prosperity.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
We are helping to build a powerful regenerative movement in business. We are inspiring the re-visioning of the purchasing power of business to support a regenerative chain of custody from raw material to finished goods. By elevating the opportunity for intentional stewardship in restoring the health of ecosystems and investing in the regeneration of natural capital, an emergent and powerful new awareness is growing in business. We are growing this regenerative understanding through our gatherings.
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
In observing the many challenges – both social and ecological – at play at this time history, we recognized that the biggest force in the world is commerce. How commerce is traditionally practiced has been extractive and destructive. However, it doesn’t have to be that way and many companies and people around the world have been taking bold steps to transform business as usual. We are amplifying the voices and businesses that are leading this transformation to help accelerate the change and inspire others to reimagine the game as regenerative and restorative while creating shared prosperity.
WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
We convene thought leaders from around the world who are leading initiatives in business to address local and global ecological challenges. Our gatherings activate a shared sense of purpose and community that transcend all barriers. We dream that the people coming together will bring about systemic change in commerce value proposition. We imagine a world where prosperity is shared, natural systems are nourished and restored, and cooperation, rather than competition, is the hallmark of how we meet the needs of people and planet.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE?
We would like to grow our network of fellow organizations in other parts of the world that share this perspective and intent. We also need capital to grow our organization so we can add more professionals with relevant expertise to our team to assist us in meeting our goals for impact.
WHAT IS (OR HAS BEEN) YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Generating sufficient capital to pay our team fair and competitive salaries to match their efforts.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Believe in your vision and no matter the obstacles stay steady. Nothing worth achieving comes easily but when you are on your true path, magic happens. Doors open. People say yes. It is the most rewarding journey – and the key word here is journey. Savor each step as that is how joy in life is manifested. It is not the destination.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
We welcome all visionary voices to contribute to our efforts. We want to hear from people who are seeking to make a positive impact through their enterprise.
We also welcome donor support for our initiatives. When people come together – something bigger can emerge through an immersive, shared experience. We think facilitating community in this manner is essential to transforming the status quo. We gain courage from each other to act. That builds momentum and keeps inspiring anew.
Orapin Marketing + Public Relations is an award-winning communications agency that generates awareness, engagement, and, ultimately, support for mission-driven organizations. We amplify their voice and reach so they can increase their impact. If you would like to be featured on INSPIRED IMPACT, reach out to hello@orapinmarketing.com.