Alumni Spotlight: Michael Rivera
Michael Rivera, Class of 1997, heads up Rivera & Associates, Inc., right here in Milwaukee. Recently, his firm received an Honorable Mention from the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce’s “Focus on the Future” awards in the area of equity.
I am Michael Rivera, and I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am the President/ CEO of Rivera & Associates, Inc., an award-winning full service public relations and marketing firm located in Milwaukee. I graduated from Marquette University in 1997 with a bachelors degree in public relations.
My firm is currently involved with the City of Milwaukee Disparity Study that examines inclusivity of diverse-owned businesses and opportunities. My favorite part of my role is to be able to work on projects that make a difference and that result in increasing equal opportunity. Diversity and inclusion is so important and increases the number of different perspectives that will provide new insight and solutions for everyday problems and situations.
My 414 All new brand identity for the City of Milwaukee is a concept I created and then presented to the president of the Milwaukee Common Council Cavalier Johnson. At this point it’s a concept, and one I would like to connect to Milwaukee to encourage acceptance for all races, religions, ages, genders, sexual orientations, etc.
The Honorable Mention I received from MMAC is very much appreciated as I work hard to focus on Equity by seeking ways to increase inclusivity and tolerance.
My time spent at Marquette University at the Diederich College of Communication was invaluable as a structured base on which to build. Curriculum that involves theories, concepts and public relations tactics gave me innovative ways to perform highly effective communications for my clients. I also took advantage of the opportunity to attend MIAD with the partnership program at Marquette.
Years after my graduation I was contacted by the Diederich College of Communication to assist in re-creating the Diederich College of Communication Alumni Association Board. I enjoyed taking that task on with other alumni where we created the mentor-student program and increased our social media footprint. As past president of the MU-DCCAA I am proud of what we accomplished. Upon graduating from Marquette University, I created the Marquette University Hispanic American Alumni Association facebook page and began to engage followers.
At that time there was no MU Hispanic American facebook page and so I believe we needed to have a place for MU Hispanic American Alumni to gather and share their thoughts and gain support.
The piece of advice I would give to MU students today is to gather as much strength to continue and complete your goal of attaining a college degree from Marquette. Be open to learn as much as you can during your time there, have fun and have an appreciation for the educational opportunity you have in your life.
My favorite memory of Marquette? I can think of more than one but the one that stands out for me is when we made it to the Final Four. It was a good time where we were all celebrating!