Welcome River Teslar, GSBA’s new Business Training Specialist!

River (she/her) is thrilled to join GSBA as a new Business Training Specialist. She has already so enjoyed getting to meet GSBA members and is excited to work with such a variety of businesses!

River is a spirited advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and is looking forward to bringing her warmth and encouraging nature to business education and growth. She believes in giving people the tools they need to thrive, and creating spaces where community can blossom. She grew up in Richland, Texas (a town of just two hundred people!) and went to music school as a vocal major in nearby Corsicana, Texas. During River’s college years, she won a singer-songwriter competition, sang in several choirs, and began playing regular local shows with her band. She also became involved in community work, and is proud to have helped organize two successful annual fundraisers for the International Justice Mission to combat human-trafficking.

Regardless of the field, River has always loved working directly with people – in many customer service roles, four years as a pharmacy technician, and most recently as a catering server for FareStart. She was excited about getting more involved in the background of nonprofit work, and when the pandemic halted catering, River appreciated learning about operations, and was delighted by the community connections she made working in the emergency meals program.

River moved to Seattle in 2017 to transition, and found an amazing community of friends and chosen family. A consummate food enthusiast, she spends her free time finding new restaurants and cooking with her partner, as well as performing at open mics, hopping between her favorite local haunts, and enjoying walking around the beautiful East Capitol Hill neighborhood. River hopes to become a small business owner herself someday, and host community events and organizing.

Say hi to River by emailing her here and learn about the many business consulting services GSBA offers here.