About

Zachary Ray is a mission driven entrepreneur and community advocate whose work bridges sustainable business, international development, and social impact. He is the President and sole owner of Desert Sun Coffee Roasters, a certified organic and fair trade roastery based in Durango, Colorado, where he leads strategy, financial planning, and values-based partnerships with the aim of proving that even everyday actions, like drinking coffee, can help build a more just and sustainable world.

Zach graduated summa cum laude from Fort Lewis College with a B.A. in Sociology and Human Services and a minor in Philosophy. As a student, he was selected as a CHANGE leader by Oxfam America and trained in advocacy, organizing, and campaign strategy; later traveling the U.S. to train the next generation of changemakers. That early commitment to equity and empowerment carried him around the globe, including three years living in Myanmar as Country Program Manager for the Shanta Foundation, where he helped rural villages implement community-led projects in education, health, and sustainable livelihoods.

He has worked at Desert Sun since 2009 (minus four years in Southeast Asia), starting at the ground level and eventually rising to ownership. Under his leadership, Desert Sun was named Small Business of the Year by the Durango Chamber of Commerce, and achieved Pearl-level Green Business Certification from 4CORE for environmental leadership. Desert Sun has also been recognized for having the most sustainable coffee available on the market.

Zach currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Cooperative Coffees, the only roaster-owned importing cooperative in North America, where he chairs the Sourcing & Quality Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Shanta Foundation, where he previously held the role of Vice Chair and now leads the Program Committee. His professional development includes leadership certifications through Project RUN via the Economic Development Alliance, and industry-specific training through the Specialty Coffee Association. He has been invited to speak on topics ranging from ethical trade to first-generation college success, and will serve as a keynote speaker at Fort Lewis College in support of first-generation college students this fall.

Outside of work, you’ll find Zach mountain biking the trails of the Southwest, traveling across cultures, or studying languages in pursuit of deeper connection. He remains committed to building community, creating opportunity, and using business as a force for good.

Local Fair Trade Organic Coffee provider