Javier Rivas Email & Phone Number

Javier Rivas is an entrepreneur and Economic Development Professional dedicated to a life of service. Javier owned and operated two businesses in Washington, DC. As a self-taught owner of two coffee shops, he enjoyed the process of learning a craft, tackling problems, and constantly finding more efficient ways of achieving his goals. More than anything, he is proud of having been able to serve his community, making long-lasting connections, and helping his employees gain confidence, vocational training, and personal growth. He capitalized on that experience as he transitioned to a career in economic development. With a wealth of entrepreneurship experience, he brought support to business owners facing challenges resulting from rapid neighborhood change in the greater DMV area. Aside from taking the lead on compliance activity and reporting to funders, supervising data collection efforts, managing program budgets, leading successful proposals, creating and implementing marketing campaigns and coordinating with funders, partner service organizations, coalitions, and networks; he grew into a recognized leader in his field. In July of 2023, Non Profit Quarterly published his article "Containing Gentrification: A Story from the Nation’s Capital". He spent his childhood in El Salvador and has been a resident of the DMV area since 1989. Javier holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Virginia.