Catarina Rivera

Catarina Rivera has earned a BA in Psychology from Duke University with a scholarship from the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program; a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) degree from the Bank Street College of Education with a focus on Dual Language/Bilingual Education; as well as a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Hunter College. She holds a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (IAAP) certification.

Rivera is the founder of Blindish Latina, a platform dedicated to smashing disability stigmas through storytelling, advocacy, and education. She has also launched a business focusing on disability inclusion in the workplace. With over 14 years of experience working in educational institutions and nonprofit organizations, her expertise encompasses program development/management, managing teams, capacity building, community organizing, community engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as part of employee groups.

As a Latine/x woman living with Usher Syndrome, Rivera brings a deep understanding of intersectionality to discussions about disability. This syndrome has led to her progressive vision and hearing loss, which was diagnosed at age 17. Through the stages of "From Denial to Acceptance to Self-Advocacy to Public Advocacy," she has embraced her identity and promotes disability pride. Rivera is bilingual in English and Spanish, and her family background is Cuban and Puerto Rican.

Rivera's contributions have been recognized as she was named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices on Disability Advocacy for 2022. She is a TEDx Speaker, having presented at "TEDxRolandPark" in June 2022, and co-hosts the podcast "Intentional Conversations with Dr. Nika White." Her insights on disability advocacy have been featured in Nasdaq, Authority Magazine, and she was named one of HonestCulture’s Top 21 DEI Influencers of 2021. Her client work includes collaborations with organizations such as HarperCollins Publishers, LinkedIn, and BCG Digital Ventures, among others.

Rivera continues to share her expertise, lived experience with disability, and passion on topics related to disability awareness, inclusion, digital inclusion, accessibility, allyship, and advocacy. Her active engagement in public speaking and consulting underscores her commitment to fostering environments that enhance inclusivity and accessibility.