Eric Dawson

Eric Dawson is the Founder and CEO of RIVET, a social impact venture that channels the economic power of young people to fund their work as social innovators.12 Here are some key details about Eric Dawson:

Background and Education

• Eric holds three degrees from Harvard University:
  • B.A. in social studies
  • M.Ed in human development psychology
  • M.Div. in pastoral care and counseling2
• He also earned a doctorate in Leadership and Innovation from New York University, where his research focused on founder transitions and the relationship between founders and their successors.25

Professional Experience

• Prior to founding RIVET, Eric co-founded Peace First as a freshman at Harvard.1
• He led Peace First to become a global nonprofit supporting over 13,000 youth-led projects in over 150 countries.13
• Eric is recognized as a globally respected expert on youth empowerment and movement-building.3

Achievements and Recognition

• Ashoka Fellow
• Echoing Green Fellow
• Pop!Tech Fellow13
• Best-selling author of "Putting Peace First: Seven Commitments to Change the World"3

RIVET

As CEO of RIVET, Eric leads an organization that:

• Leverages the collective consumer power of Gen Z (over $3 trillion in spending power) to fund young social innovators.12
• Uses a micro-financing platform to support youth-led social change projects.2
• Has funded more than 1,000 youth-led projects in 66 countries worldwide.4

Eric Dawson is known for his commitment to empowering young people as agents of change and his innovative approach to combining youth culture, social innovation, and brand partnerships to create positive impact.34