Jeannette Rivera (They/She) is an Afro-Taino-Borikua creative visionary, community connector, and cultural organizer currently rooted on unceded Pocumtuc, Agawam, and Nipmuc land (Western Massachusetts).
A first-generation graduate of UMass Amherst with a B.A. in Anthropology, Jeannette brings deep intention and heart to their work—centering joy, healing, and creativity as essential pathways to liberation. They are committed to practicing reindigenization and compassionate accountability through community care, education, and artistic expression.
Jeannette has held multiple leadership roles throughout the region, including Chair of the Chicopee Cultural Council, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer for the Chicopee Democratic City Committee, and an elected member of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee (DSC). They also played a key role as a mutual aid coordinator in the Lower Valley and served as a Board Member for Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts before stepping into their current staff role.
In addition to their work with Neighbor to Neighbor, Jeannette co-facilitates cultural and creative programming with their Kiwari Taino community, nurturing spiritual connection and cultural pride. Whether leading political education workshops or creating spaces for artistic healing, Jeannette merges their love for community and culture into every facet of their organizing.
Rooted, resilient, and visionary, Jeannette is building toward a future where collective care and cultural liberation are at the center.