SOIS National Council - Berta Rivera

Berta Rivera, a distinguished alumna of Rochester Institute of Technology’s School of Individualized Study, brings over 15 years of experience as a dynamic nonprofit leader to the National Council. Currently serving as the Director of Community Programs at the Rochester Area Community Foundation, Berta oversees grantmaking, evaluation, scholarships, and community partnerships. Her career, spanning roles at ESL Federal Credit Union and Empire Justice Center, showcases her expertise in driving community impact through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts. Recognized as RIT’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year in 2015, Berta's multidisciplinary background and commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion make her an invaluable asset to the Council. Her data-driven approach has led to significant achievements, including spearheading a $50 million collaborative grant proposal and redesigning scholarship programs to increase accessibility. With her recently earned MBA from the University of Rochester’s Simon School of Business complementing her RIT education, Berta continues to leverage her extensive experience and innovative thinking to provide strategic guidance and enhance the School of Individualized Study’s impact.