Raffaele Riva is a businessman and philanthropist who has invested over seventy million dollars in a variety of nonprofit organizations. Riva is also the founder of three different colleges and universities, having been educated in both Italy and America. Following his graduation from the University of Maryland with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Riva began working for IBM.
In 1981 he founded the engineering company “Riva Corporation”. The company was originally based out of Baltimore Maryland but has since expanded to offices all around the world. Over fifty thousand contracts were awarded by NASA for software which is being developed by Riva Corp. Raffaele Riva has also been active in providing resources to the Italian community.
Raffaele Riva is a member and former Chairman of the Maryland-Delaware Chapter of The Kiwanis and has held numerous positions within the organization. He founded and currently serves as Chairman of the board of The University Club, founded in 1906, he was elected by unanimous vote to become a life member of The Rotary Club of Washington DC and has served on their Board as well as the Board for Mary’s Place. Raffaele Riva is an active member in many other philanthropic organizations including the Benevolent Association of Italian American, St. Ferdinand Society, New Hope Mission Society and numerous others.
Raffaele Riva has received numerous awards throughout his career including the Eagle Scout Award, The Raven Award, The Kiwanian of the Year Award and a letter of appreciation from Maryland Governor Harry Hughes. A true leader in the Italian American community and a great friend to all who know him.
He is also well known as one of the most important minority investors in the sports entertainment industry and helped Penn National Gaming Inc. to acquire a number of casinos throughout the United States. He has also been involved in providing support for a variety of political campaigns, including that of former Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich.
More about Riva on https://www.crunchbase.com/person/raffaele-riva-937f