Introducing Laura Clise | Honoree for The 20 Of 2020 Award Ceremony
Laura Clise
Introducing the next honoree - Laura Clise!! Laura is the founder and CEO of Intentionalist, a Seattle-based social-purpose corporation focused on making it easy to support small businesses and more connected, inclusive communities through everyday decisions about where to eat, drink and shop.
2020 as an extraordinary year in many ways, including its impact across the small-business landscape. With record numbers of closures, which have disproportionately impacted businesses owned by people of color, we're reminded of the fragility of the Main Street businesses that are the economic and cultural backbone of our communities
At the beginning of the pandemic, the first thing Laura noticed was an increase of people looking up small businesses owned by the Asian-American community. Her idea was working, people were trying to support and embrace the community in the midst of racial tension. Meanwhile, she created a take-out and delivery directory right in the beginning of COVID-19, when the stay-home order was issued and people were thrilled to be able to not only select a restaurant but also give back to a community they felt connected to or wanted to support.
As a The Soul of Seattle community sponsor and partner, Intentionalist has collaborated with Edouardo Jordan on the Soul of Seattle Chef Box and Soul of Seattle Voucher packs, which have extended the community of participating chefs.
Also during Black History Month:
- Enjoy 20% off Central District business gift certificates thanks to the Central Area Collaborative
- Get a free treat and support Black-owned businesses via the Seattle Sounders FC x Intentionalist tab