Ladderworks is a publishing platform of diverse picture books and an online curriculum with the mission to empower over a million kids to become social entrepreneurs. Our current series features interviews by our interplanetary journalist Spiffy with inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builders, and Changemakers who are advancing the UN SDGs.
Spiffy here with the scoop on the entrepreneurial leaders of Planet Earth. As the only interplanetary journalist stationed on this blue planet, I’m thrilled to present this galactic exclusive with Daniel Anzueto, the community and volunteer manager at StartOut. Let’s learn what’s happening at StartOut and how Danny is making a positive impact in the world.
Spiffy: Hi Danny, thanks a million for talking to me today. Tell me, what challenge are you addressing through your work at StartOut?
Danny: Thanks for having me, Spiffy! LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs often deal with isolation and not feeling seen or heard in their work. Through StartOut, we plan in-person and virtual events that bring LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs together around educational workshops, social gatherings, wellness experiences, and community service. We also provide leadership opportunities for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs to expand their professional skills sets by serving as programming board members.
Spiffy: What motivates you to do it?
Danny: I love helping people. My high school yearbook quote was “I just want to be someone you can come to for help,” and I have maintained that goal throughout my career. I love seeing people thrive and excel at their work, and if I can contribute to that in some way, it makes me happy and focused.
Spiffy: What would you say is the impact of your work?
Danny : StartOut has connected with over 26,000 people and supported over 1,200 companies to raise over 1.27 billion dollars and make an economic impact of 5.5 billion dollars.
Spiffy: Wow. Tell me about a recent organization milestone or initiative. What impact does it make on your community?
Danny: I recently helped to plan the 2023 StartOut Awards in New York City which welcomed 300 investors, founders, sponsors, and community members to honor incredible changemakers in our community—and we raised the most money we ever have raised.
Spiffy: That’s amazing! Thanks for speaking with me today, Danny—it’s been an honor!
Daniel Anzueto is a queer, latine, first-gen founder who works with entrepreneurs across all levels and industries to help them achieve their goal. Born and raised in Miami Beach, FL, his passion for equity and belonging started in college and has been his focus his entire career. (First published on the Ladderworks website on November 2, 2023.)
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of Ladderworks LLC.
© 2023 Ladderworks LLC. Edited by Anushree Nande. Spiffy’s illustration by Shreyas Navare. For the Ladderworks digital curriculum to help K-3 kids advance the UN SDGs, visit Spiffy’s Launchpad: Creative Entrepreneurship Workshops for K-3 Kids and their caregivers here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
