Rich Tafel has built a career forging innovative coalitions to tackle complex challenges and deliver impactful solutions. As the creator of the Cultural Translator Project, he helps organizations navigate high-conflict environments by enhancing empathy and key skills for leadership in today’s interconnected world.

Rich’s work spans public policy, social entrepreneurship, and corporate innovation. He led in advancing historic civil rights and healthcare initiatives in the U.S. and globally. As a leader in social entrepreneurship, he facilitated the nation’s first state-wide social venture competitions and co-founded the Workplace Wellness Council of Mexico.

Rich also has expertise in fostering collaboration across sectors. As a board chair for Citizen University, he empowers emerging leaders to engage in civic innovation. He has led Christian-Muslim dialogues as part of the National Council of Churches and co-founded The American Project at Pepperdine School of Public Policy, which explores solutions to cultural alienation and loneliness. In 2021, he was named a Senior Fellow at George Washington University’s Center for Excellence in Public Leadership.

A graduate of Harvard Divinity School, Rich is the author of Party Crasher and a contributor to leading publications, including The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post. His experience and insights make him a sought-after speaker and advisor to leaders seeking inclusion, trust, and strategic advantage in a diverse world.