Startup Grind is the largest independent startup community, actively educating, inspiring, and connecting 1,000,000 entrepreneurs in over 200 cities. We nurture startup ecosystems in 98 countries through events, media, and partnerships with organizations like Google for Entrepreneurs. The cornerstone of our global community are monthly events featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Founded in Silicon Valley, Startup Grind has now hosted 5,000 fireside chats since its founding in 2010. To date, Startup Grind has helped millions of entrepreneurs find mentorship, connect to partners and hires, pursue funding, and reach new users.
Unhoused Humanity
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Daren grew up in Erie, PA, spending much of his childhood living with his grandfather, a former police captain. Instilling a firm sense of social responsibility in him, his grandfather taught him that the most important thing in life is to care for other people, especially those in need. While he always knew that he wanted to make a lasting impact on the world, he didn’t know how, and instead …
Daren grew up in Erie, PA, spending much of his childhood living with his grandfather, a former police captain. Instilling a firm sense of social responsibility in him, his grandfather taught him that the most important thing in life is to care for other people, especially those in need. While he always knew that he wanted to make a lasting impact on the world, he didn’t know how, and instead spent much of his days whittling away his time playing video games and watching t.v.
This all changed after his study abroad trip to Tokyo during his senior year of college. On March 11, 2011, the Tohoku earthquake hit Japan, causing thousands of deaths and mass hysteria about the effects the Fukushima Power Plant might have on the Japanese people. He was truly witness to the unpredictable and harsh nature of the world. Encouraged by his university to return to the U.S. in the middle of this crisis, Daren made the difficult decision to go back home.
On his return to the United States, he took his grandfather’s lesson to heart, vowing to do everything in his power to help those who are unfortunate enough to experience tragedies like the Tohoku earthquake. After being introduced to the mission of Unhoused Humanity, he finally knew how to make his impact on the world. He is Co-founder and Executive Director of the organization and strives every day to help more individuals and families who are suffering from homelessness.
Startup Grind
Chapter Director
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