Meet The Team

FOUNDER

Matthew Blesso is a seasoned real estate developer and serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience leading innovative projects in New York, Panama, and Costa Rica. As founder of Blesso Properties, he has developed award-winning residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces that emphasize design, sustainability, and community impact.

His notable projects include the acclaimed Tantalo Hotel in Panama City and Brooklyn’s 3rd Ward, both celebrated for their creative and cultural influence. In Costa Rica, he leads Shift Esperanza, a regenerative living community in Nosara that integrates wellness, ecological restoration, and a sense of belonging.

Matthew has raised or donated over $300,000 to global nonprofit and cultural causes. He has served as an adjunct professor at NYU, where he received the Bart Lawson Award for Humanitarianism, and is a frequent speaker on leadership, social impact, and housing policy.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

With over 23 years of experience and 150+ projects totaling $600 million, Raymond is a seasoned expert in civil engineering, project management, and real estate development across Costa Rica and Texas. A graduate of Tecnológico de Monterrey with advanced studies at INCAE Business School, he joined Shift inspired by its vision of sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Outside of work, Raymond enjoys family time, caring for animals, and listening to country music.

DIRECTOR OF DESIGN & INNOVATION

Matthew’s wife, Ginger, harnesses her expertise from Pratt, Parsons, and the Art Students League to lead interior design, art curation, and furniture design, ensuring all design projects align with Shift's vision. Ginger is currently exploring Bio-Design, using living organisms for sustainable, innovative materials.

SALES AGENT & COMMUNITY BUILDER

Dustin has over 20 years of experience in management, destination real estate, and sales, combining a strong work ethic with a relationship-driven approach to business. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, surfing, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the outdoors. For him, life is about maintaining balance, staying active, and appreciating the simple moments.

SALES DIRECTOR & MARKETING STRATEGIST

Oscar is a seasoned real estate marketing consultant based in Costa Rica, with over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, media management and experiential production. He brings a distinctive blend of creative vision and operational expertise, shaped by his background as a founder and leadership roles in some of the most prestigious master-planned communities throughout the region.

MARKETING MANAGER

Stephanie has extensive experience in marketing, events, and entrepreneurship after owning and running several businesses in Chile and working in multiple countries. Her decision to join Shift was driven by a genuine passion for the mission to create a successful model for socially and environmentally responsible developments.

MARKETING ASSOCIATE

Jessica holds a degree in Digital Marketing and joined Shift in 2025 as a Marketing Associate. She supports a variety of marketing tasks across the company and was drawn to Shift by its strong sense of community and positive work culture. Outside of work, she enjoys listening to jazz with friends, reading, and exploring anything related to fashion.

OFFICE MANAGER

Mari brings over four years of experience in hospitality, tourism, and administration, overseeing Shift Esperanza’s daily operations and managing USA bank accounts while supporting the leadership team. Originally from Nicaragua, her passion for sustainable design aligns perfectly with Shift’s vision. Outside of work, Mari is an avid reader and enjoys exploring Human Design.

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Jennifer is a CPA currently pursuing Master's degrees in Project Management and Tax Advisory. She has experience working with companies across the Caribbean, the U.S., and India, with a strong focus on Transfer Pricing in the tech sector. She joined Shift inspired by its values and unique mission in Costa Rica. Outside of work, she's a proud mom who enjoys reading, podcasts, good food, and volunteer work.

FARM MANAGER

Holding a degree in Biosystems Engineering, Emanuel joined Shift in 2023 as the Farm Manager, leveraging his deep agricultural roots from Costa Rica and extensive experience in both agriculture and the electric industry. Working at Shift gives Emanuel a chance to apply this knowledge by helping the project restore healthy ecosystems, conscious food production, protection of water resources, residue management, and positive social impact.

NURSERY AND SOIL FERTILITY MANAGER

Originally from Heredia, Daniela is an agronomic engineer passionate about permaculture and sustainable agriculture. At Shift Esperanza, she manages the nursery and soil fertility at Finca La Esperanza, combining her love for nature with holistic living. Outside work, Daniela enjoys hiking, birdwatching, yoga, and exploring Latin American literature, philosophy, and culture.

LEAD LAND DESIGNER

Sam Kenworthy is a water systems enthusiast and landscape manager with over a decade of experience in the tropics. Experienced in working in a wide variety of environments, he enjoys the challenge and process of designing around problematic landscapes. Dedicated to continued learning and improving his skill sets, he is passionate about self-sufficiency, water management, generating more and better yields, and well-executed design for human ecosystems.