Cole Riley
Founder and partnerships leader focused on food equity
New York, New York
Summary
Operator who pivots between entrepreneurship and mission-driven programs: after practicing law briefly, Cole moved into food entrepreneurship and quickly pivoted early ventures (Founders Market) into large-scale relief and nonprofit efforts (Founders Give, Wellfare). creatoreconomynyc+1
Builder of brand partnerships and distribution networks: has experience mobilizing CPG brands at scale to donate product and create ongoing social-impact partnerships, later bringing that partner network into broader nonprofit operations. nosh+1
Focused on improving access to healthier convenience foods for food-insecure communities: Wellfare's Better Box and program design emphasize lower-sugar, better-for-you shelf-stable items as a complement to traditional food-bank offerings. bevnet+1
Recognized NYC food-policy and community leader: named among NYC food-system rising leaders and regularly featured in interviews and podcasts discussing food access, brand-led giving, and nonprofit operations. nycfoodpolicy+1