Aileen De La Riva
Aileen De La Riva is a bilingual neurodivergent professional specializing in recruitment, marketing, and executive support, currently serving as Executive Assistant to the Co-Founders and Physicians at Epic Pain Management in San Antonio, Texas. With a unique ability to blend strategic thinking with empathy, Aileen supports the vision, people operations, recruitment, and branding efforts of a dynamic healthcare practice dedicated to improving patient outcomes. Her skill set spans full-cycle recruitment, business administration, data analysis, and process optimization, enabling her to connect people, systems, and solutions effectively.
Throughout her career, Aileen has demonstrated a commitment to operational excellence and compassionate leadership. Her previous roles include Executive Recruiter at Creative Financial Staffing and Recruitment Manager at Robert Half, where she led talent acquisition and business development across multiple industries. Aileen’s neurospicy way of processing information allows her to anticipate needs, identify patterns quickly, and bring clarity to complex challenges. She is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive environments where individuals feel empowered to grow and thrive.
Aileen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Medical Humanities Pre-Medicine from The University of Texas at San Antonio and is pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. As a first-generation Latina and mental health advocate, she actively volunteers in causes related to health, diversity, equity, inclusion, and workforce development. Aileen is dedicated to lifelong learning and fostering a people-first approach in both her professional and personal life.
• The University of Texas at San Antonio
• Liberty University
• Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a clear vision and adaptability throughout my career journey. Since childhood, I aspired to become a physician and surgeon, which fueled my passion for healthcare. My experience working in life care planning and later transitioning into recruitment and operations allowed me to develop valuable skills. Ultimately, I sought a fulfilling role that aligned with my passion for mental health, leading me to my current path.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received comes from two incredible mentors in my life. My mother, Margarita Esquivel, who raised me on her own, always encouraged me to pursue whatever I truly wanted to be and to believe in my own potential. More recently, Dr. Rajil Bengali, my current boss at Epic Pain Management, has inspired me with her leadership and dedication, showing me the value of resilience and passion in building a meaningful career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to remember that while it can be intimidating, trusting your intuition is one of your greatest strengths. Stay confident in your voice and decisions, and don’t be afraid to navigate your own path with authenticity.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, transparency, and trust. I believe strong relationships are built on being direct and fostering mutual respect and reciprocity. I take pride in having been trusted with the responsibility to help clients build their teams and in being chosen at a young age to manage a large team of around 200 colleagues. Listening attentively and maintaining high moral standards guide how I lead and connect with others every day.