Neil Rios Laverde is a part of the Philanthropy team and works closely with the Foundation’s VP of Philanthropic Strategies and Partnerships on donor services and stewarding relationships with fundholders and nonprofits.

Neil has lived in the city of Orlando since 2005 when he migrated with his family from Colombia. He pursued his higher education at the University of Central Florida and graduated in 2020 with a degree in communications with a focus on nonprofits. Throughout college, Neil worked with nonprofits serving the LGBT+ community in Orlando such as Equality Florida, the Zebra Coalition, and The Dru Project. His work with the community developed his passion for the nonprofit industry and has allowed him to grasp a strong understanding of the industry.

Neil serves on the board of the Contigo Fund, a nonprofit that works on supporting minority-led and focused nonprofits in Florida. When he is not at work, Neil spends his time playing volleyball with Orlando’s OUT sports league, an LGBT+ friendly sports league. He enjoys reading, going to the beach, and dancing to Latin music!