Jeannette Rivera (They/She) is our Holyoke Organizer. They are an Afro-Taino-Borikua community leader, creative visionary, and connector, currently rooted on Pocumtuc and Nipmuc land (Chicopee, MA). An evolutionary thinker, Jeannette is dedicated to practicing compassionate community accountability and care through art, economic development, non-partisan political engagement, education, and meaningful dialogue.
Jeannette came to Neighbor to Neighbor after graduating from UMass Amherst with a B.A in Anthropology. Guided by a commitment to liberation through joy, healing, and creativity, Jeannette blends their love for people and diverse cultures into their organizing, creating, and healing practices. After working as a member, they transitioned to Board Secretary and finally to our Holyoke Organizer. Jeannette channels their experiences into impactful community work by creating passion out of pain.
Their dedication extends through various leadership roles, including Chair of the Chicopee Cultural, Council Elected Member of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee (DSC), Equity, and Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Officer for the Chicopee Democrats.
Outside of their work with Neighbor to Neighbor, Jeannette fosters the emotional and social growth of youth across Hampden County nurturing the next generation of leaders. They also co-founded La Diáspora, a creative space in Chicopee dedicated to reflecting the city’s vibrant diversity and supporting local entrepreneurs, showcasing their passion for community beautification and cultural representation. Jeannette has also been recognized for their dedicated work in Western Massachusetts, particularly within the Puerto Rican community, receiving the inaugural Jafet Robles Award.
Passionate, purposeful, and deeply connected to their roots, Jeannette is committed to weaving joy, justice, and creativity into every facet of their work.