We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Xellex Rivera a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Xellex, thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

There was a pivotal moment in my professional journey that altered the trajectory of my career and led me to a path of empowerment and advocacy. In the early stages of my career, I found myself navigating spaces where Black and Brown women were not only underrepresented but also largely unacknowledged. I started off young, around 21, having more degrees than experience which subconsciously lead to levels of intimidation in the work place. I was so hungry to advance. However, the lack of support and recognition from women who looked like me was disheartening, and I quickly realized that if I was feeling isolated, others likely were too. I worked in an industry where the lack of support could have had a heighten negative effect on me but I refused to let it do so.

This realization became the catalyst for creating #iAmSHE Women’s Empowerment. This also molded the executive leader that I am today. I am intentional in my engagement on all levels. I wanted to build a platform that not only addressed this gap but also celebrated the strength, resilience, and potential of women and girls, particularly those from marginalized communities. #iAmSHE became a movement dedicated to advancing women and girls, offering them the support and opportunities that I wished had been more available to me in those early days.

This moment taught me the importance of community, representation, and the power of creating spaces where women can uplift each other. It reinforced my belief that when we empower others, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our individual experiences, shaping a future where all women can thrive.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As cliche as this may sound, I ended up in the nonprofit industry because God said I should be here. Growing up, I did not have a passion for this type of work. Going to undergrad, I thought that I would be a journalist but that was short lived. After undergrad, I worked as a college recruiter. After two years of that, I was laid off…and devastated! I had no idea what to do next. I did not have a “passion.” I also did not understand the workforce. I had a friend who worked at a nonprofit organization, and she shared her internal job posting with me. I applied… and BAM I landed in shelter services with 235 single adult men on Wards Island, NY. Because my direct supervisor was amazing… I fell in love with the industry and have been here for the last 15 years. My journey was unique but not uncommon.

For the past 15 years, I’ve been deeply passionate about homeless shelter services, dedicating much of my time, energy and research to supporting those who are most vulnerable. My commitment to this cause stems from a profound belief in the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their circumstances. I frequently remind people that, “Homelessness is a Response to Trauma already experienced”… therefore it should not be there label. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with various shelters, advocating for the needs of the homeless community and helping to create safe, supportive environments where individuals and families can begin to rebuild their lives. This work is incredibly close to my heart, and it’s been a driving force in my broader efforts to promote social justice and equity.

I’m a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and advancement, serving as the Chief Program Officer for a nonprofit organization. My journey into this field was driven by both personal and professional experiences that highlighted the disparities and challenges faced by women, particularly Black and Brown women, in various spaces. Early in my career, I noticed a significant lack of representation and support for women of color, especially from those who shared similar backgrounds. This realization sparked a deep desire to create change and led to the development of #iAmSHE Women’s Empowerment.

#iAmSHE is more than just an initiative; it’s a movement dedicated to promoting the advancement of women and girls by providing them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. We focus on creating safe spaces for women to connect, grow, and uplift each other, addressing issues such as leadership development, financial literacy, and personal empowerment. Our services range from mentorship programs and workshops to advocacy and community-building efforts.

What sets us apart is our commitment to inclusivity and representation. We recognize the unique challenges faced by women from diverse backgrounds and strive to ensure that all women, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, have access to the tools and support they need to succeed.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on the lives of the women and girls we serve. Seeing them grow, achieve their goals, and in turn, become leaders and advocates in their own right, is incredibly rewarding.

For those just getting to know us, I want you to know that #iAmSHE is built on the principles of empowerment, community, and resilience. We believe in the power of women supporting women and are dedicated to creating a world where every woman has the opportunity to realize her full potential. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, resources, or a community that understands and supports you, #iAmSHE is here to help you on your journey.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

As a young Black professional stepping into the world of nonprofit management, I entered my first role filled with enthusiasm and a strong desire to make a positive impact. I had the superhero complex. I was eager to learn and contribute, but I quickly realized that my initial approach was heavily influenced by an underlying belief that I needed to conform to the established norms within the organization and the broader sector.

Growing up, I was often told to be “professional,” which I interpreted as suppressing my authentic self to fit into a mold shaped by other’s expectations. This mentality crept into my work, where I hesitated to voice my opinions or share my lived experiences, fearing that it would be perceived as unprofessional or unwelcome. I often found myself in meetings, nodding along rather than contributing my unique insights and perspectives, believing that my voice was not as valuable as those of my colleagues.

The turning point came during a strategic planning session where our organization sought to address issues related to diversity and inclusion in our programs. I noticed that the conversation was heavily led by voices that did not reflect the diversity of our clients or our community. A colleague, who I respected deeply, pushed for more representation in our discussions but faced resistance. Inspired by their courage, I finally found the strength to speak up. In that moment, I became an advocate. I realized that I can be the voice for those who are vulnerable.

I shared my perspective on how our programs were failing to connect with the individuals we aimed to serve and highlighted the overlooked cultural context of our work. The room fell silent. I was met with a mix of surprise and appreciation. For the first time, I felt the weight of my voice and experience being acknowledged. This moment taught me that my insights, shaped by my background, were not just relevant—they were essential for the organization’s growth and effectiveness.

From that moment on, I began to unlearn the idea that compliance with existing norms was synonymous with professionalism. I realized that embracing my identity, sharing my lived experiences, and contributing my unique perspectives were critical to my success and the success of the organization. I learned that diverse voices lead to more innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of the communities we serve.

This unlearning process involved actively seeking spaces where I could express my ideas freely, mentoring other young professionals, and advocating for a culture of inclusivity within my organization. It also meant challenging existing structures that stifled diverse viewpoints.

As a young Black professional in nonprofit management, I learned that my voice matters, and embracing it can lead to transformative change—not just for myself, but for the organizations and the communities we aim to uplift. I proudly speak up in board rooms while also having red hair and being able to express myself. This lesson continues to guide my journey, reminding me that authenticity and representation are powerful catalysts for progress in the nonprofit sector.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back, I would not trade my current profession for anything else. Every step of my journey has been intertwined with my career, shaping me into who I am today. The challenges I’ve faced, the triumphs I’ve celebrated, and the growth I’ve experienced all stem from the unique path I’ve walked. Each moment has contributed to a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose, confirming that my profession is not just a job, but a calling. The lessons learned and the connections made are invaluable, and I wouldn’t exchange the rich tapestry of experiences for any other career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yesiamshe.com
• Instagram: @dr._xzr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-xellex-z-rivera-7b1b5813b/
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/XZRivera

Image Credits

I have the credits to all photos included in this.