Meet Semhar Merkey

We had the good fortune of connecting with Semhar Merkey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Semhar, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

This quote seems to be the heartbeat for what guides both my professional and personal life. I feel that human connection is the depth of what makes society so beautiful. When I first meet a new face, I love to get to know their story (even if it’s just a glimpse), and then, remember it. The next time I see them I always say “hey, how was your mom’s surgery you told me about?” Or, “How did that job interview go?” It blows people’s minds that someone thought to store that little tidbit they shared in passing into their memory banks. They almost always smile. It’s so important to me to care about people, truly care.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
​​My job is Community and Marketing Manager for Yelp Dallas. I connect people with great local businesses, by hosting Yelp Elite events and community events across Greater Dallas. As a Community Manager, I design and host unique, can’t-miss events that spotlight amazing, local businesses that bring out the best in our communities. I also build strategic marketing partnerships for local events in the city, engage with our most active users both online and in-person, and manage our social media. On top of that, I contribute written content that reflects the voice and vibe of our community. While much of my work happens remotely—often from a cozy coffee shop or at home, I’m always plugged into the pulse of the city and the people who make it special.

Yelp connects people with some of the very best of what or communities have to offer – whether that’s a top-rated restaurant, or trusted professionals like electricians or home designers. It’s a one-stop shop where people can easily discover, connect with and support businesses of all sizes. I’m especially proud of the work I’ve done to elevate minority-owned businesses through Yelp, by creating meaningful opportunities for visibility and connection. One standout is our ‘Meet the Owner’ series, which gives a personal spotlight to local business owners and helps the community connect with the faces behind the storefronts. I also led Yelp’s ‘Women Run DFW’ campaign during Women’s History Month, celebrating and promoting women-owned and women-led businesses across the region. Additionally, I’ve curated engaging, high-impact events with the Yelp Elite Squad—an incredible group of local tastemakers who are passionate about supporting small businesses. Their authentic, witty, and insightful reviews help elevate the voices of local entrepreneurs and they embody the spirit of Yelp, both online and in real life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question. I’d recommend the Top 50 Places to Eat in Dallas, according to Yelp Elites. Whether you love the spiciness of Thai cuisine or the flavors of rustic French fare, head to a place Yelp Elites say is the best for it. Dallas is diverse, so this Collection will get you to the top-rated spots across the metro according to Elites:
https://www.yelp.com/collection/zN9UTQB0xKLMcnT7lah7gA/Top-Places-to-Eat-in-Dallas-according-to-Yelp-Elites

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I cannot even begin to talk about my success without my gratitude for God, and for my parents who instilled in me a sense of community. I am a first generation American. My family moved to the States when I was three years old from Eritrea. My entire life has been infused in the importance of community, having a “village,” and tradition. Due to this, I was raised in a community with Eritrean-Americans where we all learned the ins and outs of living in the Diaspora and how to navigate being the children of immigrant parents. I learned everything from my extended family growing up. My father is a musician and leader in the Eritrean Catholic church. He is known to so many people that knew him during his time as a refugee in Sudan, to his younger years in music school in Asmara. He’s so loved, stoic, straightforward, and witty. I attribute my networking skills to learning from my dad. My mother is strong. She’s young, yet full of so much wisdom; and has seen more than most have in life. She was like everyone’s cool second mom growing up; my friends loved hanging at our house because of her. She taught me the love of cooking, hosting, and welcoming people into your home without judgement. The most important person to give credit to is my husband Stephen. He speaks so much life into me, and keeps me grounded. Any time I feel a bit overwhelmed or insecure about an upcoming project, he shakes every ounce of doubt out of me. He is my #1 supporter and praises all of my achievements, and that drives me to be bigger and better. Finally, my younger sister Neyat. She keeps me on my toes, teaches me anything cool, and always reminds me to hold my head up high. I’m blessed to have her.

Website: https://www.yelp.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yelpdfw/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/semharhaile/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=skc9gdqnXALqc18Nyj8Mdg

Image Credits
@alexandrianorado
@cinphotos
@sofocusphotos