Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Jefferson Shriver is the Co-Founder and CEO of Doselva PBC, a mission-driven social enterprise in Nicaragua focused on sustainable agriculture and rural development. With over 15 years of experience in the non-profit and agricultural sectors, Shriver is a recognized expert in value chain development, climate-smart agriculture, and community-led initiatives.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As Co-Founder and CEO of Doselva PBC, Shriver is responsible for setting the strategic vision, overseeing all business operations, and leading the company's mission to empower smallholder farmers and promote environmental stewardship. Under his leadership, Doselva has grown to become a leading provider of organic agricultural products and sustainable development services in Central America.
In addition to his role at Doselva, Shriver has been the Owner of Gaia Forest Cafe and Farm, a local eco-tourism and agribusiness venture, since 2006. In this capacity, he has successfully integrated sustainable farming practices, community engagement, and environmental conservation to create a model for rural economic development.
Career Progression
Prior to founding Doselva, Shriver held several senior positions at Catholic Relief Services, where he leveraged his expertise in value chain development, climate change adaptation, and agro-enterprise initiatives to drive positive impact across Latin America. As the Senior Technical Advisor for Value Chains, Regional Technical Advisor for Agro-Enterprise and Climate Change, and Chief of Party for the USAID-funded ACORDAR project, Shriver led multi-stakeholder collaborations, implemented innovative programs, and contributed to policy-level discussions on sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods.
Shriver's career also includes a role as the Associate Director for Latin America at Lutheran World Relief, where he worked to strengthen agricultural supply chains and support community-based organizations in the region.
Academic Background
Shriver holds a Master's degree in International Development from the University of Sussex, where he specialized in sustainable agriculture and rural development. His academic achievements include graduating with distinction and conducting field research on smallholder farmer adaptation to climate change.
Areas of Expertise
- Sustainable agriculture and value chain development
- Climate-smart farming practices and rural resilience
- Community-based economic development and social entrepreneurship
- Stakeholder engagement and multi-sector collaboration
- Non-profit management and strategic leadership
Professional Impact
Under Shriver's leadership, Doselva has become a recognized leader in the organic and fair-trade agricultural sectors in Nicaragua, working with over 500 smallholder farmers to improve their livelihoods and promote environmental stewardship. The company's products are distributed nationally and internationally, contributing to the growth of sustainable food systems.
Through his work at Catholic Relief Services and Lutheran World Relief, Shriver has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing award-winning programs that have directly benefited thousands of rural communities across Latin America. His contributions to policy discussions and industry knowledge-sharing have further amplified his impact on sustainable development in the region.
Conclusion
With his diverse experience, recognized expertise, and a deep commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Jefferson Shriver is a visionary leader driving transformative change in the agricultural and rural development sectors. As he continues to guide Doselva's growth and expand his impact, Shriver remains dedicated to empowering smallholder farmers, fostering sustainable food systems, and creating a more equitable and resilient future for communities in Nicaragua and beyond.
