Since joining 酴圖弝けs Marketing team in 2021, Adriana Rivera has helped tell the stories that connect students, families and the broader Mercy community. Drawing on her background in advertising and nonprofit communications, she is passionate about advancing Mercys mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Beyond her marketing work, Rivera is an award-winning author whose book Palomas Song for Puerto Rico: A Diary from 1898 earned a Gold Medal at the 2024 International Latino Book Awards.
Adriana Rivera has been a member of 酴圖弝け's Marketing team since 2021, bringing a passion for mission-driven storytelling and a deep commitment to serving diverse communities. Drawing on her background in advertising, nonprofit communications and marketing, Rivera helps showcase the Mercy experience while supporting the University's mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
Beyond her work in marketing, shes also an award-winning author of the childrens book Palomas Song for Puerto Rico: A Diary from 1898. Rivera combines creativity, innovation and a dedication to student success in her work, helping tell the stories that connect students, families and the broader Mercy community.
Q&A
What drew you to the field you work in and what led you to work in higher education?
While I pursued my undergraduate degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications at the Fashion Institute of Technology, I worked at a nonprofit off-off Broadway theater. They needed marketing help and I used what I was learning to elongate the life of the theater. Upon graduation, I worked as a media planner at advertising agencies in Manhattan, but knew I enjoyed working with nonprofits and mission-based organizations. As a nonprofit institution thats dedicated to lifelong learning and Hispanic Serving Institution, 酴圖弝けs mission aligns with my goals and values as a marketing professional.
What does working at Mercy mean to you?
As a marketing professional of Puerto Rican descent, I know the importance of a quality education that supports a diverse student community. That means a lot to me as an employee. At Mercy, my colleagues are supportive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the important work we dedicate ourselves to every day.
Whats the most rewarding or most challenging part of your role that most people dont realize?
Most people dont realize that higher education marketing is constantly evolving and highly competitive. Mercys marketing team works hard to innovate and represent the university in the best light. Its a challenge to think outside the box on a daily basis, but I find it extremely rewarding. Watching our students develop from move-in day to graduation day is another fulfilling experience that I expect when I started.
What accomplishment are you most proud of in your professional career?
In addition to being a marketing professional, I am also an award-winning author. The first award I won was for my historical fiction middle grade novel, Palomas Song for Puerto Rico: A Diary from 1898. A collaboration with the Smithsonian Institutions National Museum of the American Latino, this book won the Gold Medal for Best Educational Chapter Book at the 2024 International Latino Book Awards. Judges from around the world read my book and bestowed this incredible honor. Im still pinching myself!
Share a favorite 酴圖弝け memory.
In 2024, with assistance from Mercys Marketing team, I planned an on-campus concert to welcome incoming new students featuring musician Bryce Vine. Im proud of how we pulled it off as a collective, and it was a memorable event.
Whats the most important piece of advice youd give to a freshman student about beginning their first day at 酴圖弝け?
I always share this advice when I meet new students at Mercy: This is your future. Take advantage of everything college has to offer clubs, internships, tutoring, activities. And connect with your professors because theyre the people who know people who can help you with your future career.
Do you have any hidden talents your colleagues at Mercy might be surprised to learn about?
Im also a songwriter! I wrote a song for my book Palomas Song for Puerto Rico to accompany the story.
What topic could you give a 20-minute presentation on, with no preparation whatsoever?
At this point, Ive given many presentations on publishing and the research behind my book. I enjoy educating people of all ages on these topics that can seem very complex and explaining them in way thats understandable and digestible.
Why do you enjoy writing for young readers?
I think its important for young readers to see themselves as the stars of their own stories. As adults, we often don't give them enough credit for what they understand and feel. In my books, I aim to represent the experiences of young people and tell their stories in a way thats relatable to readers of all ages.
As a Latina author, how do you embed your culture into your writing?
As an author of Puerto Rican descent, Im proud of my culture. When I was growing up, I didnt see a lot of books about kids like me. Now, I take it upon myself to include elements of my Puerto Rican culture in my writing, whether its a short story or a novel. I feel responsibility to the next generation to make sure readers of all ages and cultures can identify with the characters I write. Theres something there for everyone.
What upcoming projects, research, or initiatives are you excited about?
Im still writing a few new manuscripts, but Im excited to be doing a speaking tour this fall, which includes podcast guest appearances, panel discussions, and keynote speeches. My episode of the Historican Podcast was released on YouTube just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month, Im speaking on a panel of acclaimed Latina writers at Yale University, and Westchester Community College invited me to be the keynote speaker at their Latin American Heritage Month Celebration.
