Her Story
About RivkA
I like sharing stories and bringing them to light so other people notice. I think it's important, and I use it across different positions and committees that I serve on. Even though I'm a big history person and know a lot of historical facts about complicated issues, sometimes people are tired and don't want to listen to history, but when you tell a story, people are drawn to it. I feel like that human connection resonates a lot more, so I like bringing stories to life and showing the human side of things, whether it's in the medical spa, as a writer for the Jewish Link, or serving on different committees advocating for the community. I worked in politics on different campaigns and for sitting governmental officials at state and city levels. I also worked with different non-profit organizations in various capacities like development and organizing events. I'm a very passionate person and don't like traditional 9-to-5 jobs. I like to be out there, speaking to people, learning what's important to them. I think all of those experiences have really benefited me right now. I recently worked with a producer on the Tragic Awakening movie that I brought around the country and to Congress. I'm now co-producing a short film and raising funds to produce the movie. I pretty often go to Congress to lobby on behalf of citizen groups as a citizen advocate, because when I believe in something, I go for it full way.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with RivkA
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think my personal challenges have shaped me and made me stronger to not give up. I had to take a break from my career to be a full-time caregiver for my daughter when she became ill and disabled, and then I became a single parent, which was another hurdle I had to overcome. When I went back to the workforce, I had to explain career gaps while others were progressing faster. But I decided not to compare myself to others as much, but to compare myself to myself, because I have my unique personal journey. I'm happy now with the way my professional career is going, because I can see that I'm getting ahead, and with all the circumstances in my life, those make me stronger to not give up. I think if someone has a strong will, they can push forward and never give up, even when it's hard.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I had a mentor who told me when one door closes, another one opens. That was nice advice when I got divorced, but you can also take it professionally, because sometimes we don't really get everything we want. But if we are committed and willing to push forward, we will keep trying, and we're going to get there. It might not be exactly how we thought things are gonna be, like life doesn't always work out that way. You make the best out of what you have, and then you keep pushing and fighting for what you believe in.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would definitely say find a mentor. I have a few mentors right now, but particularly one mentor who's an editor of a paper. It's really helpful to know that there are people out there who have done what you want to do, and they can give you advice. It's also good to know that if you have any questions, you can bounce it off by someone, that you're not alone. You obviously can use ChatGPT, but it's not the same as having a mentor and having someone who has done it. Also, I would say the sky is the limit. I think if someone has a strong will, they can push forward and never give up, even when it's hard. Focus on the positive.
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