Meet The Team

FOUNDER

Matthew Blesso is a serial entrepreneur and visionary real estate developer with over 25 years of experience leading transformative projects across New York, Panama, and Costa Rica. Since founding Blesso Properties in 1998, he has combined financial acumen with bold innovation to create residential, commercial, and hospitality developments that prioritize community, sustainability, and design.

Notable projects include the award-winning Tantalo Hotel in Panama City and Brooklyn’s 3rd Ward, both recognized for merging creativity, culture, and social impact. Most recently, Matthew founded Shift Esperanza, a regenerative living community in Nosara, Costa Rica, focused on wellness, ecological restoration, and belonging.

He is also a speaker on leadership, social entrepreneurship, and housing policy, and was honored with NYU’s Bart Lawson Award for Humanitarianism during his time as an adjunct professor. A committed philanthropist, he has raised or donated over $300,000 to nonprofit and cultural initiatives worldwide.

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 & 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.

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.

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.

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.