In her role at N2N-MA, Ms. Rivera guides and manages the strategic vision of their statewide coalition and alliance development, legislative and executive advocacy, and electoral program. Born in Puerto Rico to Dominican and Puerto Rican parents, Ms. Rivera grew up in Lawrence, graduating from Lawrence High School, and is motivated by an innate responsibility to give back to the community the tools that were given her during her journey. Attending college at Tufts University, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Women’s Studies, and is a Master’s candidate in Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning. Ms. Rivera is a member of the prominent national Latina organization, Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Senoritas Latinas Unidas, and helps to mentor, support, and develop Latina leaders at all levels.

Beginning her career in Chicago, Ms. Rivera learned the nuts and bolts of organizing from AFSCME Council 31. During her tenure, she organized health & child care workers, as well as nurses, to push for a statewide safe staffing bill. Ms. Rivera recruited organizations into the campaign to address community needs and during the process, developed dozens of Latino leaders.

As part of the N2N-MA team, Ms. Rivera is a senior staff member managing the organization’s programs and helping to set their strategic vision. In 2011, she successfully led the Commonwealth CORI Coalition and other allies to victory with the adoption of one of the most progressive criminal justice reform packages in the country. Additionally, she managed and implemented the statewide Get-Out-the-Vote program, bringing together unions, community based organizations, environmentalists, and people of all walks of life to successfully increase voter turn-out.

Through her efforts, Ms. Rivera brings passion, innovation and mentoring for Latinas, and all people for the betterment of our collective community. Follow us on our Facebook page to learn about the topic she’ll speak on at Tribute! .