Cindy Rivera

Project Director

Cindy Rivera is a Project Director and Change Consultant with over two decades of experience in early childhood development and mental health across the lifespan. Her career began at the grassroots level, working directly with communities, from Tennessee to American Samoa, on everything from boosting volunteerism to preventing chronic disease. Cindy brings a deep belief that communities hold the wisdom to solve their own challenges; when that wisdom is honored, innovation can flourish.

Today, Cindy supports multiple national initiatives, providing project direction, training, and technical assistance to the National Training Center for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, the MIECHV Technical Assistance Resource Center, and the 988 Crisis System Response Training and Technical Assistance Center. She holds a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University (Fork ‘EM) and both a master’s and bachelor’s in Mexican American Studies from the University of Arizona (Bear Down). She’s currently pursuing a Doctorate of Social Work at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide).

After 12 years crisscrossing the country as an Army spouse, Cindy is now rooted back in her hometown in Southern Arizona with her husband, their five children, and pug.

A fierce advocate for justice, equity, and inclusion, Cindy recently co-authored The Diverse Experiences of Military and Veteran Families of Color, a landmark research study that helped spark national policy change. She is passionate about the power of personal stories as tools for research and change, and is committed to uplifting the voices of those too often left out of the conversation.

Get in touch with us and stay up to date

Latest Insights and Events

Stay informed and engaged with our recent thinking and upcoming opportunities. Explore our curated collection of articles, resources, and event listings designed to offer valuable perspectives, spark new ideas, and provide avenues for meaningful connection and learning in the field.

Other specialists