Zayra Rivera
Senior AssociateZayra works with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors’ west coast advisory team in San Francisco to conduct research, prepare presentations, organize convenings, and administer grantmaking services. She is especially passionate about supporting collaborative efforts, grassroots organizing, and reproductive health justice through thoughtful, effective philanthropy.
Prior to joining RPA as a Senior Associate to the Advisory team, Zayra Rivera graduated from the University of San Francisco’s Master’s in international studies program with a concentration in governance and global justice. During her time as a graduate student, she had the opportunity to conduct research and published her thesis related to reproductive health policies in rural Guatemala. This work stemmed from Zayra’s previous experience as a Peace Corps volunteer where she served in the Youth in Development sector in the western highlands of Guatemala.
Alongside her studies, Zayra interned for the Border Youth Tennis Exchange and served as an AmeriCorps VISTA. Here, her tasks related to fundraising, program evaluation, and she even had the opportunity to create and teach a few courses centered around creative writing to youth in the Ambos Nogales border region.
She completed her graduate degree in politics and Spanish from Saint Mary’s College of California. In her free time, Zayra enjoys writing, watching anime, and going on long walks through Golden Gate Park.