Richard Juknavorian Junior.

Richard A. Juknavorian, Jr.

Director

Department
Student Affairs, Rist DifferenceMaker Institute
Phone
978-934-2100
Office
Lydon Library 012
Links

Expertise

Entrepreneurship, strategy, innovation, venture growth, mentorship, podcasting, public health, education.

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
  • Master of Science (MS), University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts

Biosketch

Richard Juknavorian is an entrepreneur, strategist, and mentor with a passion for innovation, venture growth, and social impact. As Director of the Rist DifferenceMaker Institute at ÐÓ°É´«Ã½, he empowers student entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, funding, and resources to launch and scale their ventures. He is also an experienced product management executive, having held leadership roles in private equity-backed and venture-funded companies, particularly in digital healthcare. Richard is the host of Meeting You Where You're At, a top-30 social impact podcast featuring inspiring women leaders. He actively mentors startups through Suncoast Ventures, MassChallenge, and EforAll. A dedicated educator, he teaches public health and business strategy courses, shaping the next generation of leaders.

Selected Awards and Honors

  • 2019 Alumni of the Year - Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, ÐÓ°É´«Ã½