Her Story
About Catalina
Catalina Rivera serves as collections manager for the Daughters of Hawaii, a nonprofit organization that oversees Queen Emma Summer Palace and Hulihe'e Palace along with their royal artifacts. She earned her Master's degree in art history and curation from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, where she completed an internship at Windsor Castle and curated an exhibition on Albrecht Durer at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. Prior to her move to Hawaii, Rivera worked as an art director for tech companies in China and spent five years in London working in galleries while obtaining certifications with Sotheby's and Christie's. She is now in the process of launching her own art buying and selling business.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Catalina
01What do you attribute your success to?
Anytime anybody told me I couldn't do something, it motivated me more. And I think just not quitting, you know, having a good cry every once in a while as my release. Dig it out, and keep on pushing forward. If somebody says you can't do it, prove them wrong. Give them something to talk about.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
It is just about pushing, you know? Not every day is gonna be 100%. But on those days that you can give that little bit extra, do, because it makes a big difference.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Honestly, I would say keep pushing. No matter how people talk to you, what they think they know, don't let anybody put you down based off of the knowledge that they think that they know. I would suggest to not give up, and just because one person is saying one thing or pushing you down, don't stop, keep on pushing forward.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It's a really challenging field. Right now, being in Hawaii, I have lost a little bit of touch with what's going on on the outside. I know whenever in London, there's so many opportunities out there, especially in those larger cities. Just trying to do whatever little bit you can to make sure that you're seen and your voice is heard.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect. I think respect and utmost. If you're gonna say something, make sure that you do it. Don't oversell yourself, but don't undersell yourself. Commitment is a really big thing, really very important, especially in this field.
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