Norman Sarria Rivas

Norman has spent more than a decade working specifically on gendered business development approaches, market systems interventions, and developing the capacities of businesses, non-profits and other organizations in their pursuit of more gender-inclusive approaches, practices and methodologies.

Norman has over 15 years of experience managing and supporting businesses across diverse industries. In his present role, he supports organizations that work with small and medium enterprises to increase women entrepreneurs’ access to finance, business development services, and support services and networks. Projects include direct support to companies and entrepreneurs, applied research examining the factors leading to underinvestment in women entrepreneurs, and advisory services to financial service providers, capacity developers and agencies.

Previously, Norman managed the East Africa operations of Enterprise Projects Ventures Ltd, served as a consultant for Oxfam Great Britain on both enterprise development and women’s economic leadership programs, and led CEMEX Nicaragua and El Salvador in $8-million businesses in annual sales. He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Open University Business School, United Kingdom, and a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería in Nicaragua.