Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business 1059: Harnessing CULTURE and COMMUNITY for transformative mental health advocacy w/ Victor Arias and Dan McSwain
What if two childhood best friends could harness their unique cultural experiences to revolutionize mental health support for young, diverse communities? Meet Victor Arias and Dan McSwain, the dynamic duo behind Mente, a transformative youth community brand. Rooted in their bicultural Mexican-American upbringing in Dallas, Victor and Dan offer a fresh perspective on leveraging Latino culture's influence to create genuine mental health solutions. Dive into their journey from being known as "Los Gemelos" to becoming pioneers in culturally sensitive mental health advocacy.
In a world where the pandemic tested our mental resilience, learn how Victor and Dan responded by founding Mente with a mission to bridge the trust gap between traditional institutions and younger generations. Their approach is not just about providing resources but also about fostering community through authentic engagement. Delve into how they strategically launched their movement in Phoenix, Arizona, tapping into the city's vibrant demographic and engaging audiences through events like music festivals and comedy shows. Discover how they use both online content and real-life interactions to make mental health support relatable and accessible.
Victor and Dan's story is a testament to the power of authenticity in entrepreneurship. Hear firsthand how embracing self-reflection and betting on oneself can lead to impactful community building and personal growth. They're not just offering advice; they're living it. Be inspired as they share their experiences and invite you to connect with Mente, explore collaborations, and join their mission to improve lives. This is a conversation filled with passion, insight, and a call to action for anyone looking to make a positive difference in their community.
ABOUT VICTOR AND DAN
Victor Arias and Dan McSwain are childhood best friends from Dallas, TX raised in bi-cultural Mexican American households. Victor has a background in Public Relations and expertise in Latino audience engagement. Dan has a background in politics as well as tech startups.
Dan McSwain: 20 years in politics and start ups, focus on young diverse audiences. Part of Obama 2008 HQ new media team and Obama administration. Political and philanthropic experience and networks lead to initial investment.
Victor Arias: 20 years in elite, multicultural PR world. Focus on connecting legacy consumer brands with young, discerning, Latino audiences. Expertise in audience sentiments and behaviors for hard-to-reach demographic groups.
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