Dr. Paul Rivera He/Him

Dr. Paul Rivera is an expert in strategic planning and a professional facilitator focused on strengthening communities and organizations through shared visioning and action-oriented planning. Deeply committed to inclusive and innovative education as a vehicle for individual success, community empowerment, and economic growth, Dr. Rivera combines successful careers in academia, international development and diplomacy, and entrepreneurship. Within academia, Dr. Rivera was selected as founding faculty at California State University Channel Islands where he served as professor and department chair, played a pivotal role in the university's ten-year strategic plan, designed accredited BA and MBA programs, and served as director of the university-affiliated primary school.

As a diplomat and international development professional, Dr. Rivera served as Senior Economist and Senior Advisor to USAID and the Department of State, developing strategic plans that have directed over $1 billion in funding, facilitating high profile diplomatic negotiations, and directing rigorous economic analyses. In his current role as Co-Founder and Vice-President of BeActChange, Dr. Rivera brings together his extensive experience to help purpose-driven and impact-focused individuals and organizations worldwide to scale their positive impact. A first-generation American and proud Latino, his career has been defined by a persistent focus on uplifting people and communities, reducing inequalities, and fostering positive, lasting growth. Fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, Dr. Rivera holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Southern California. Paul loves Mexican food, live music, jiu-jitsu, and has traveled to over 115 countries with many more to go.