Meet Keri Serota

We recently connected with Keri Serota and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Keri, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
As a young child, I was always curious and empathetic towards those with physical disabilities. I can remember back to being in 4th grade and seeing a 3rd grader who used a wheelchair. I was determined to make her my friend. All my summer jobs growing up were at camps for kids with disabilities. I always enjoyed working with this population, problem solving to ensure they could fully participate and be active. This was something that started when I was young and followed me through my life. This became my purpose, my calling.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Dare2tri is a Chicago-based 501(c)3 non-for-profit organization with the mission to enhance the lives of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments by building confidence, community, health and wellness through swimming, biking, and running.

Since our inception in 2011, Dare2tri has been a leader in the adaptive sports community, encouraging participation in recreational activities, competitive racing, and triathlon events. We cultivate a supportive environment where athletes are defined not by their physical abilities, but by their determination and will to succeed.

At Dare2tri, we support athletes of all ability levels—from beginners to elites—in their journey to become physically active, set and achieve goals, and engage with their community. Our programs transform lives by boosting self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The first is not being willing to settle or take no for an answer. I was always motivated when someone said it could not be done or there was no way. That only fueled my fire. Being okay with asking questions and leaning on others. No one does it alone. We all need help in accomplishing our goals and having a team surround you only makes you stronger.
Driven by results and failures. I was always motivated to reach my goals and dreams and the set back only forced me to work hard and the successes ignited me to keep going

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents supported me and let me figure things out. The tried to help share and direct me but ultimately they let me chart my own path and were there ever step of the way to cheer me on, pick me up and see me find my way.

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