Interviewee:
Jeurys Santiago (He/Him)
In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative.
Minds with Purpose is more than just a consultancy—it’s a vision I’m deeply passionate about. As the founder, I’ve made it my mission to build a bridge between potential and achievement, especially within diverse and multicultural communities. My background in business and marketing, combined with a strong drive to make a difference, has led me to create an organization that empowers individuals and businesses to thrive.
At Minds with Purpose, we offer a range of services designed to support growth and foster connections. Whether it’s through tailored consulting, impactful training programs, or engaging community events, our goal is to provide valuable resources and opportunities. We focus on areas like brand development, social media management, and youth empowerment, ensuring that our approach is both comprehensive and personalized.
I’m particularly proud of our work in organizing events and workshops that bring people together, celebrating our shared heritage and nurturing young talent. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion drives everything we do, and we strive to work with partners who are equally dedicated to creating positive change.
Through Minds with Purpose, I hope to continue building meaningful relationships and making a lasting impact. My passion is rooted in the belief that by supporting and uplifting each other, we can create a more connected and successful community.
Tell us a bit about you and why you do what you do. Share your passions for your business, organization, or initiative.
From a young age, I’ve been deeply driven by a mix of diverse passions and life experiences that have shaped who I am today. Growing up, I immersed myself in the world of ballroom dancing, which taught me the value of discipline and creativity. As a national chess player, I honed my strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. My time as an AAU basketball player instilled in me a sense of teamwork and perseverance.
My journey as an undocumented immigrant has been a profound influence on my life and my work. It’s a testament to resilience and the power of pursuing one’s dreams despite significant challenges. The support I’ve received along the way, including the Oprah Winfrey Scholarship, has been a pivotal blessing. Recently, being named one of Boston’s 25 Under 25 by the Boston Business Journal just before my 25th birthday was a significant honor, further fueling my commitment to making a difference.
These experiences and milestones have all contributed to my passion for building Minds with Purpose. I founded this organization with the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow and succeed, regardless of their background. My goal is to create a supportive environment that empowers individuals and businesses, particularly within diverse communities, to reach their full potential.
At Minds with Purpose, we focus on providing tailored consulting, dynamic training programs, and impactful community events. Our work is driven by a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through our initiatives, I aim to uplift and connect people, celebrate our shared heritage, and foster growth. This journey is not just about business for me; it’s about giving back and helping others overcome obstacles, just as I have been fortunate to do.
What is the last thing you read, watched, or listened to that had an impact on you?
Recently, I had a deeply impactful moment that has stayed with me. Just before her birthday, my mother, who has always been a source of strength and wisdom, told me to stop “playing with my potential” and to focus and lock in on my goals. Her words were a powerful reminder of the importance of dedication and commitment. This advice came at a crucial time, reinforcing my resolve to fully embrace my potential and channel it into my work with Minds with Purpose.
In terms of media, I recently read “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. The book’s insights on habit formation and incremental progress resonated deeply with me. It reinforced the idea that small, consistent actions can lead to significant results—an approach that aligns perfectly with the mission of Minds with Purpose. It reminded me that success is built on everyday efforts and the continuous pursuit of improvement.
These moments of clarity and inspiration drive me to work harder and stay focused on our mission to empower and uplift others. They reaffirm my commitment to making a meaningful impact through our organization.
What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you or your business?
One thing that might surprise people about me is how down-to-earth and approachable I am, despite the often high-profile nature of my work. I’ve been described as humble, funny, and incredibly dedicated. While I may have a busy schedule, I’m never too busy to connect with others and lend a helping hand. I believe that my commitment to hard work and genuine connections is what sets me apart.
For Minds with Purpose, people might be surprised to learn how deeply personal and hands-on our approach is. Behind every strategy and initiative is a team that works tirelessly, driven by a shared passion for community and empowerment. We don’t just offer services; we build relationships and create tailored solutions to help businesses and individuals thrive.
Our work is more than a business venture—it’s a mission grounded in authenticity and a relentless drive to make a difference.
What is Creative Collective?
Creative Collective is a group of economic development strategists, small business supporters, activation specialists, and believers in the importance of the creative workforce. We foster growth, sustainability, and scalability for small businesses, creative thinkers, organizations, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Learn more and join Creative Collective at www.creativecollectivema.com/join
