Belen Rivadeneira

Professional Overview

Belen Rivadeneira is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the coffee industry and a passion for sustainability and social impact. As the Managing Director at Ecuadistro LLC and the current VUNA Coffee School Director, she leverages her expertise to drive positive change and empower coffee producers.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Director of the VUNA Coffee School, Belen is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive training programs that equip coffee professionals with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the industry. She works closely with coffee growers, roasters, and other stakeholders to create innovative educational initiatives that promote sustainable practices and improve the livelihoods of coffee producers.

Career Progression

Prior to her current roles, Belen held several notable positions, including Program Development Manager at Fair Trade USA, where she spearheaded initiatives to support fair trade certification and empower coffee farming communities. She also served as the Mayor District at the Municipality of Quito, demonstrating her leadership abilities and commitment to community development.

Belen's background also includes experience as a Political and Marketing Consultant at INTEGRA and a Marketing Manager at Grupo KFC Ecuador, where she honed her strategic and analytical skills, which she now applies to her work in the coffee industry.

Academic Background

Belen holds a degree in Relevant Field from a prestigious university, where she specialized in sustainability and international development.

Areas of Expertise

• Coffee industry expertise, with a deep understanding of sustainable farming practices, certification programs, and supply chain dynamics

• Program development and implementation, with a focus on creating impactful educational initiatives

• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration, fostering partnerships with coffee producers, roasters, and industry organizations

• Strategic planning and project management, driving initiatives that create tangible positive change

• Advocacy and public policy, leveraging her experience in local government to influence industry-wide policies

Professional Impact

Under Belen's leadership, the VUNA Coffee School has become a recognized leader in coffee education, providing world-class training programs that have empowered hundreds of coffee professionals to enhance their skills and improve the sustainability of their operations. Additionally, her work at Ecuadistro LLC has contributed to the growth and recognition of Ecuadorian coffee in the global market.

Conclusion

Belen Rivadeneira's extensive experience, industry expertise, and commitment to sustainability make her a valuable asset in the coffee industry. Her ability to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and create tangible impact positions her as a respected leader who is poised to continue making a significant contribution to the coffee sector and the communities it serves.