Julia Rivera is a Puerto Rican who arrived in Philadelphia with a strong intention to do something positive for the Latino community using her skills, abilities, virtues, and strengths, prominently in marketing and communications.
Rivera came to Philadelphia in 2017, the year she was given the opportunity to be part of the non-profit organization based in the northern part of the city, Congreso de Latinos Unidos, as Vice President of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives. In this role for five years, she led the institution’s communication, marketing, community, and advocacy efforts through diligent and unparalleled work.
At Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Rivera significantly enhanced digital marketing efforts and social media presence, coordinated the agency’s civic engagement work and major fundraising events, supported program teams in all service areas, and led new initiatives to foster stakeholder engagement.
In 2022, she was promoted to Director of External Affairs. In this new role as a member of Congreso’s leadership team, she oversees fundraising and agency development.
For her outstanding work throughout her career, Rivera was selected as a Finalist for Coors Light Leaders. She was one of the twelve emerging Latino leaders in the United States nominated for her civic leadership, which, through her words and actions, made a notable improvement in the lives of people, communities, and organizations.
Congreso de Latinos Unidos, led by Jannette Díaz, who serves as Interim President and Executive Director, was founded in 1977 by a group of Puerto Rican activists. Its mission is to enable individuals and families in predominantly Latino neighborhoods to achieve economic self-sufficiency and well-being.
Before Congreso
Before joining Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Rivera served as the Manager of Community Relations at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, supporting the Office of the President and coordinating community engagement and partnerships.
Rivera also graduated summa cum laude from Trinity College with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Economics, and Urban Studies, as well as a Master’s in Public Policy, which she earned while working full-time.
Lee también:Pedro Rosario, the first Hispanic deputy police commissioner in Philadelphia
Transition Team
Rivera was one of the Latinos who were part of the transition team for Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, assuring her readiness to lead on the first day of her term. She served as a member of the Commission for Health and Human Services.
Beyond her invaluable professional journey, Rivera has been a lifelong athlete, playing field hockey. She played for four years at Trinity and has been a member of the Puerto Rico Women’s National Field Hockey Team.
Rivera takes advantage of all the community events and festivals the city has to offer, seizing every opportunity to uplift her community and showcase the Latino spirit that characterizes her
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