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