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Committee Spotlight on Maritza Rivera

Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Maritza Rivera! We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!

Tell us a bit about your backstory and what lead you down your current life path.

I’m the daughter of two immigrants from Guatemala.  Education was instilled in me from a very young age.  I’ve been fortunate enough to have mentors along the way who have helped me unlock my potential and, in turn, help others find theirs. My career actually started in Computer Science, and I landed in Human Resources in my early 20s and never looked back. Over the years, I have worked in various roles within Human Resources, which has allowed me to work in a variety of capacities, including various industries, like Food Service, Manufacturing, Aviation, Distribution, Facility Management, Landscaping, and Construction, to mention a few.

Maritza Rivera

What or who inspired you to pursue your career?

My parents, who migrated to the United States from Guatemala, inspire me every day. They spent many nights in night school learning English, and my father earned certificates to be a machinist at Lane Tech High School.  My parents worked multiple jobs to put my brother and me through school.  As a result, they always encouraged us to stay in school, to do more for ourselves than they could have, and to always give back to our community.

What is one thing you are proud of achieving in your life?

I’m proud to be part of the 4% of the Latinas in the United States who have earned a master’s degree.  I am grateful to serve as an example to other women and young adults that educational goals are achievable no matter the circumstances; it just takes grit. 

Is there something exciting you are working on now? What is it and why did you choose to start it?

Currently, I lead the philanthropic efforts of my organization.  It brings me great joy to serve my community and to be involved in helping the migrants entering our city.  Along with helping with donations for clothing, we’re looking to help migrants transition to work life in the United States through testimonials from our very own migrant workers.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? What is it and why did it resonate with you?

A book I often reference was written by James Hunter, “The World’s Most Powerful Leadership Principle.”  Accordingly, I live by the principles of a servant leader and strive every day to be better than we were yesterday.

Describe a time that you failed and how you responded to that situation.

It doesn’t matter how many times you tried to achieve a goal. What matters is that you didn’t quit.  It took me a few years to achieve my goal of earning my master’s degree.  I got married, had children, bought a home, and in the back of my head, I always knew I wanted to go back to school.  After several years, I returned to school in 2015 and finished my degree in 2 years. 

Please share your favorite Life Lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?

There’s a quote from the movie Imitation Games that is the most recent quote that lives in my heart.  “Sometimes it is the people who no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.”  Being Latina, I always knew I had to work harder to have a place in a room or at a table.  People hear me speak or get to know me, and they are in awe of my involvement in the community.  This is why I work so hard to be inclusive and embrace all people in my circle.  I want everyone to be the best version of themselves.  This is why I’m so passionate about working with the youth.

Share any other relevant details you feel might be helpful in us getting to know you.

Someone gave me the opportunity at a young age to be curious and to learn how to maneuver through life. I could explore my passions, which helped me see the world through a different lens. My parents gave me the opportunity to ask questions, love my community, and show that I can make a difference. I am the person I am today, a servant leader of my community.  Where we see no opportunity, we can make one for ourselves. We have to remember to pull the next generation up with us.  This is what the opportunity at ERE means to me.

Why did you choose to be a Committee Member of Educate. Radiate. Elevate.?

I want to make a difference in my community by connecting with people and building a network that fosters change.  I was honored to be allowed to help with the fundraising committee. This aligns with my skillset, and I can serve as a voice for the children we serve. 

What about the Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s Purpose, Mission, and Core Values speaks most to you and why?

I was part of the Girl Scouts for many years, which allowed me to work with my daughters and other children by fostering their creativity and curiosity.  By giving them this foundation, they are all striving members of our community.  ERE stands for all these principles and more. Providing all children opportunities to learn and strive even though facing financial challenges is what resonates with me.  In today’s world, many children lack such experiences like tutoring, mentoring, and or clubs in school because of the lack of resources.  For this reason, ERE is so vital to the development of our children.  This is why I want to step in and help in any way I can.

Thanks, Maritza! We Are So Lucky To Have You On The Team!

Be like Maritza Rivera and Join us! Learn more here.

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