World's 50 Most Influential Business Women Making a Difference in 2025
Company: Social Entrepreneurship Research Institute (SERI)
Designation: Founder/CEO
Country: United States
A Visionary Leader in Social Entrepreneurship and Transformative Change.
Dr. Agatha K. Rokicki, D.B.A., B.S. is a trailblazer in social entrepreneurship driving meaningful, sustainable change across industries and communities. As the Founder and CEO of the Social Entrepreneurship Research Institute (SERI), Dr. Rokicki leads with a profound commitment to purpose-driven business, empowering organizations to embed social and environmental responsibility into their core strategies. Under her visionary leadership, SERI provides innovative research, strategic guidance, and actionable solutions, helping businesses align profit with purpose while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through groundbreaking research, strategic partnerships, and impactful programs Dr. Rokicki is shaping the future of business as a force for positive change and social good. The “1% for Humanity” initiative ensures that proceeds are dedicated to critical causes of poverty alleviation, education, inclusivity and environmental sustainability, furthering the global effort to create a more equitable and eco-conscious world.
In addition to her leadership at SERI, Dr. Rokicki is the Founder of Helping Hand Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating lasting social change. Helping Hand Foundation’s work has left an indelible mark on communities globally, catalyzing positive transformations through collaboration with healthcare providers, nonprofits, educational institutions, and local leaders. Dr. Rokicki’s role as a compassionate nonprofit manager, paired with her commitment to long-term, sustainable growth, has been pivotal in creating a lasting legacy of hope, empowerment, and community enrichment.
As a highly sought-after business coach, mentor and consultant, Dr. Rokicki helps entrepreneurs and organizations navigate the complexities of mission-driven business models, ensuring they stay true to their social impact while achieving sustainable success. Her book, “Principled Leadership and Business Ethics: Innovative Models of Mission-Drift Avoidance in Social Entrepreneurship Hybrid Ventures,’’ provides invaluable insights into the delicate balance between profit and social purpose, helping businesses avoid the mission-drift and remain anchored to their core values. Dr. Rokicki’s ultimate vision is to inspire a global movement where every business decision integrates purpose, innovation, and sustainability—creating a world where social entrepreneurship is at the heart of every enterprise. Through mentorship, research, and leadership, she is shaping a future where children aspire not just to be doctors or engineers, but social entrepreneurs, building businesses that transform the world for the better. The “Academic Pairing Program’’ at SERI exemplifies her commitment to education making learning accessible to the next generation of social impact leaders. Through the Social and Environmental Product line at Impact Plaza, SERI empowers consumers to shop purposefully, with every product purchase directly contributing to social and environmental causes. Dr. Rokicki’s work is a powerful reflection of the belief that when purpose and profit align, the possibilities for positive impact are limitless.