Her Story
About Bonnie
Bonnie Rivera is the owner of Rivera Vega Group Safety Consulting in San Antonio, Texas, where she has built a distinguished career in construction safety training and consulting. With more than 20 years of experience, she brings a diverse professional background that includes technology hardware and building materials customer service. As a South Texas native and bilingual professional, Bonnie is passionate about making safety education accessible and meaningful to both English- and Spanish-speaking workers.
Bonnie is an authorized OSHA trainer in both general industry and construction, providing hands-on, virtual, and classroom-based training. Her areas of expertise include OSHA compliance, Spanish-language safety training, construction and general industry safety, aerospace manufacturing safety, safety and environmental auditing, first aid, and adult learning. Her approach is grounded in the belief that effective education begins when people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Beyond compliance and training, Bonnie is committed to workforce development and creating opportunities for individuals seeking a second chance. She has contributed to programs through organizations such as Goodwill Academy and Family Services in San Antonio, supporting construction and manufacturing workforce initiatives. Through Rivera Vega Group, she continues to use her bilingual communication skills, practical experience, and passion for education to help create safer, more inclusive workplaces.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Bonnie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my belief that people need to feel seen, heard, and valued before they can truly learn. My career journey—from technology and customer service to construction safety—helped me recognize the importance of making safety education accessible and meaningful, especially for Spanish-speaking workers. That purpose continues to drive my work and commitment to helping people stay safe on the job.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to be brave, adaptable, and confident in their expertise while remaining coachable. Find mentors, stay open to learning, and never let fear make your decisions. Most importantly, be willing to shine while remembering that confidence and a willingness to keep learning can go hand in hand.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating traditionally male-dominated construction environments, especially as a woman. However, my diverse background has helped me connect with people from all walks of life and create an environment where workers feel comfortable opening up. I see this as a valuable opportunity to build trust, encourage communication, and make safety education more effective.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are empathy, responsibility, and using my abilities to help others. After attending my first training, I realized how many construction workers did not speak English and saw an opportunity to make a difference through my bilingual skills. I believe that with great power comes great responsibility, and I strive to use my communication skills to make others feel comfortable, heard, and supported.
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