Meet Jessica Rivera-García | Community advocate & Non-profit leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Rivera-García and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
One of my favorite quotes is from Jim Kouzes, “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or work hours. It’s about relationships.” Throughout my career I found this to be true, building meaningful and honest relationships has supported, not only my career, but also has provided me the opportunity to share resources and help others grow to become leaders in their communities.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Getting to the place that I am professionally was not easy. When I was 20 years old, I moved to Arizona, from Puerto Rico, with no family and only $1,000 in my pocket, all in the hope of obtaining a high-quality education. When I arrived, my first job helped me have funds while I pursued a bachelor’s degree at The University of Phoenix. My grandfather, who is my greatest supporter, always gave me the push and drive to keep on going no matter how difficult it got. While working 2 jobs, doing an internship, and going to school at the same time I found myself navigating Arizona by public transportation and polishing my English as quickly as I could. While I was finishing my bachelor’s I was able to start my career helping the community. I obtained a master’s degree from Arizona State University, which helped me move up from staff, to manager to now the Executive Director for the Arizona Head Start Association. I see all my struggles as learning experiences that have shaped me into becoming the leader that I am today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
How fun! We’d start by journeying to Phoenix to visit Phoenix Coqui, my favorite Puerto Rican restaurant in the Valley. Next, we’d head over to Chase Field to take in a Diamondback’s game or maybe grab some tickets to Footprint Center for a Suns game during basketball season. To escape the heat, we’d head up north to the beautiful red rocks of Sedona to hike and visit the art shops throughout the city, and of course I’d have to take them to the Grand Canyon, one of the natural wonders of the world!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to my grandfather. He has always supported my journey and has constantly believed that I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to. Throughout my life he has pushed me to pursue new things and to always strive to grow and learn more. I have dedicated all of my educational accomplishments to the perseverance and courage that he instilled in me growing up.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-r-g/