Richard Rivera is a celebrated leader and fundraising professional with 30 years of experience in program development and management, primarily focused on low-income and underrepresented youth. He has a varied educational background, including a Master’s degree in Urban Affairs – Nonprofit Management from Hunter College and an MPA in Public Administration from Baruch College. Additionally, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Syracuse University. He has been involved in several organizations including HERE to HERE where he served as the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Summer Programs and Internships, Goddard Riverside Community Center as Associate Director of Programs, Bank Street College of Education as Director of I-LEAD, and Kingsborough Community College as Director of Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP). Throughout his career, Richard has been able to showcase his visionary leadership, which has brought many initiatives to fruition, including a college access and success program that served over 750 students. He is also an accomplished fundraiser, acquiring funding from foundations and developing boards. Richard has proven to be a visionary thinker who can establish strong and dependable affiliations with representatives from community-based organizations, academic institutions, and corporations.