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MSEd Catarina Rivera
Senior Manager, Network Capacity at City Harvest & Co-Founder at ExplorEquity
Professional Background
Catarina Rivera is a dynamic leader with a rich and diverse background, showcasing her commitment to fostering healthier communities and driving innovative change. With extensive experience in non-profit management, public health, and education, Catarina strives to make a significant impact across various sectors. As the Senior Manager of Network Capacity at City Harvest, she has successfully led initiatives to enhance the organization's capabilities in serving communities in need. Her entrepreneurial spirit fueled her role as Co-Founder of ExplorEquity, where she dedicated herself to promoting equitable access to health resources. Catarina's career is defined by her results-oriented approach, strategic thinking, and collaborative partnership development, making her a sought-after leader in the field.
Education and Achievements
Catarina's educational journey is as impressive as her career. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Duke University, where she laid the groundwork for her understanding of human behavior and wellbeing. Continuing her quest for knowledge, Catarina pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Community Health Education from the City University of New York-Hunter College. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident in her numerous certifications, including a Certified Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and an Executive Education Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Fordham University's Center for Nonprofit Leaders. She also holds a Certificate in Leadership and Supervision from the Support Center for Nonprofit Management. This robust educational foundation empowers Catarina to blend theory with practice effectively and implement programs that drive real change.
Notable Contributions
Throughout her career, Catarina has been involved in various organizations, significantly impacting community health and education. As a Program Manager at City Harvest, she played a vital role in developing and coordinating programs aimed at alleviating hunger and fostering wellness within underserved populations. Her time as the Asthma Health Coordinator with the Healthy Harlem Core Team at Harlem Children's Zone underscores her dedication to addressing public health challenges, particularly in youth populations.
Outside of her roles in management, Catarina's commitment to education shines through her tenure as a 1st-grade founding teacher at Success Academy Charter Schools and her service as an Elementary School Teacher with the NYC Department of Education. As a Corps member of Teach For America, she further demonstrated her passion for education equity, striving to provide quality learning opportunities to all students.
Catarina's influence extends beyond her work with individual organizations; she has held advisory roles, such as her time as a NYC Advisory Board Member at Global Glimpse. Here, she contributed invaluable insights and support to promote global education among youth.
In her role as Founder of Healthy Kids in the Heights, she established a platform for promoting health education and awareness, demonstrating her ability to initiate and champion grassroots movements for healthier lifestyles. Catarina's experience as the COO and Assistant Organizer at United Latino Professionals also highlights her commitment to serving marginalized communities and advocating for their needs.
Over her career, Catarina has received praise for her strategic approach and ability to foster meaningful collaborations. Those who have worked alongside her commend her persistence and organizational skills—traits that have allowed her to succeed in diverse environments, whether in overseeing project management or developing partnerships that enhance the impact of her initiatives.
Overall, Catarina Rivera's background is characterized by her unwavering dedication to integrity, excellence, and the pursuit of healthy communities. Her diverse experiences allow her to approach challenges from multiple perspectives, ensuring that her contributions are well-rounded and effective. With a focus on systems-level progress and innovative solutions, Catarina is a leader poised to shape the future of public health, education, and community development for years to come.