How a San Francisco Founder Plans to End Homelessness
5/12/202615 min
Born and raised in San Francisco, Rosemary Mogannam turns a streetwear idea inspired by tattoo art into a humanitarian movement designed to transform how cities approach homelessness. In this episode of LIVING YOUR LEGACY, the founder of iHeartSF shares how personal adversity, divorce, motherhood, education, and decades of community involvement shape her mission to create transitional housing through a self-sustaining business ecosystem. From launching a podcast and augmented reality clothing line to pursuing a revolutionary housing model for homeless families, Rosemary reveals the mindset shifts, painful lessons, and relentless consistency driving her vision. This conversation explores entrepreneurship, humanitarian leadership, perspective-taking, transitional housing, San Francisco culture, and the future of community-driven impact.
Key Takeaways
- Perspective changes can completely transform a person’s life trajectory.
- Consistency and discipline create long-term personal and professional growth.
- Entrepreneurship can become a vehicle for humanitarian impact.
- Transitional housing needs sustainable systems, not temporary fixes.
- Personal adversity can unlock creativity, clarity, and purpose.
Notable Quotes
- “When you change your perspective, you can change your life.”
- “I’m going to break the cycle of homelessness.”
- “Consistency. My whole life has been consistency.”
- “I’m a humanitarian, not a philanthropist.”
- “Don’t change the world. Change your world.”
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsRosemary Mogannam· Guest0:00
They'll keep giving money 'cause they keep making money, and it's a tax shelter. That's what I'm trying to eliminate.
Rudy Mawer· Host0:05
Mm.
Rosemary Mogannam· Guest0:05
If you really wanna give, you really wanna be something, you know, and make a difference, forget the tax shelter. Give it to me, and let me show you actually, you know- How it- ... make it work.
Speaker 20:14
Rosemary McGanim is a visionary, community-driven, and culturally engaged entrepreneur. Through her work, she celebrates and uplifts the spirit of San Francisco by connecting people, places, and local businesses, fostering a sense of pride and belonging while creating experiences that strengthen community and preserve the city's unique cultural identity.
Rosemary Mogannam· Guest0:34
I will be the first for-profit company to purchase old residential hotels, renovate them, and turn them into transitional housing for homeless families- Mm.
Rudy Mawer· Host0:41
Awesome ...
Rosemary Mogannam· Guest0:42
and really break the cycle of homelessness. This will change the way for-profits and nonprofits do business, I promise you that.
Speaker 3· Soundbite0:50
It spans the globe like a super highway. It's called internet. Elvis Presley. [crowd cheering] Today, Apple is going to reinvent the phone. It's not over until I win.
Speaker 21:06
The Living Your Legacy Podcast, for those who live to leave a legacy.
Speaker 3· Soundbite1:12
[upbeat music] That's extraordinary. The impossible. Oh, that is sensational. Jordan. Open. Chicago with the lead. Usain Bolt is the fastest man on the planet. You can live your dreams.
Rudy Mawer· Host1:27
Hello, and welcome back to another episode.