Adriana Rivera
Adriana Rivera is a dedicated administrative professional and 9/11 survivor who currently serves as an Administrative Assistant with the 1199SEIU Child Care Fund Department. In this role, she supports two managers and an all-female team of 12, providing essential administrative coordination and benefits assistance to union members. Drawn to 1199SEIU’s mission and its deep connection to community well-being and 9/11 survivor advocacy, Adriana found the position through Indeed, seeing it as an opportunity to align her professional skills with her passion for meaningful service. Before joining 1199SEIU, Adriana spent 23 years with Charter Communications (Spectrum), where she served as an Operations Specialist overseeing contracts, compliance, and vendor relations. Her tenure at Spectrum allowed her to develop strong expertise in organizational management, auditing, and client engagement, while also leading and participating in corporate volunteer initiatives that supported local communities. Reflecting on her most notable professional achievement, Adriana cites her long-standing commitment to fostering teamwork, operational excellence, and social responsibility throughout her career. Adriana’s transition to 1199SEIU at age 50 represents both a professional and personal milestone—one rooted in her decision to prioritize mental and physical health, as well as her enduring dedication to helping others. Beyond her full-time role, she continues to volunteer with organizations such as Queens Community House and the Coalition for the Homeless, mentoring women reentering the workforce and supporting vulnerable populations. Her journey embodies resilience, empathy, and an unwavering belief in purposeful work that strengthens individuals and communities alike.
• Notary
• University of Phoenix - AA
• New Yorker of the Week
• Queens Gazette Feature
• New York Blood Center
• Queens Community House
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible mentors and experiences that shaped my career, especially during my years at Time Warner Cable. I had the privilege of working under Cynthia Bayley, a respected leader who demonstrated how to balance managing technicians and office staff with fairness, empathy, and efficiency. Her leadership inspired me to become a mentor myself through the First Step program with the Coalition for the Homeless, where I’ve volunteered for five years. That program once helped me secure an internship and later employment at Time Warner Cable, and giving back to it has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To handle people intimidated by you, remain confident and don’t let their negativity affect you. If they can’t understand your energy it’s just a reflection of them.
Just focus on your successes and continued growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry or any field is to do your research, find a mentor, and follow your passions. When I made my own career transition, I learned how important it is to understand your options and stay true to what drives you. Change can be intimidating, but when you focus on your strengths and align your work with your values, it opens the door to both personal and professional fulfillment. Be different, don’t follow the herd!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Employers may assume older workers are less adaptable, less tech- savvy leading to fewer opportunities so definitely Ageism is a negative stereotype, but I am confident in my adapting, interpersonal skills, and my character speaks for itself. Being in Telecommunications for 23 years is very opposite from this new work culture so learning anew is what I am currently going through, so it's not so much a challenge but another welcomed learning experience in this chapter.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most in both my work and personal life are community, compassion, and service. Through my involvement in the Friendly Visitor Program at Queens Community House, I’ve seen how meaningful connections and support can positively impact others, especially those who need companionship and encouragement. I’m also passionate about supporting other women, whether through mentorship or simply sharing my experiences to help them navigate their own paths. In addition, I run my own LLC dog boarding business, “Queens 1 Dog Sitter,” which I started five years ago and officially established a year ago. Caring for animals brings me joy and balance, and I hope to continue growing the business into a full-time endeavor in the future.