Our Team

Vanessa Rivera

Associate Director

Year I joined IP: 2020

What I bring to IP: Since the beginning of my career, I have supported non-profit and government organizations in achieving operational excellence. With my business studies background, my mission is to authentically provide the best customer service to stakeholders. I am responsive to our clients’ needs by thoughtfully filling in operational gaps. I bring my operational mindset with a deep understanding of program impact and diversity, equity, and inclusion to my work.

What I love most about my work: I enjoy working each day on a social impact mission. Through my role, I love providing a high standard of operations for clients that ensures their work is seamless and accessible. At Intentional Philanthropy, I am excited to help family foundations apply a social impact framework in their grantmaking and support of non-profit organizations. Partnering with organizations working to create change for communities gives me hope that we are moving towards a just and peaceful world!

What I am most excited about learning right now: I am excited to learn the different ways philanthropy can extend its impact with community partners. As new research and insights emerge, I look forward to diving deeper into interest areas to help our clients grow in this field.

What I do in a typical week: am usually working on the operations of foundation management, thinking through grantmaking strategy, and supporting the needs of our clients.

What I do when I’m not working: When I have downtime, I love reading the latest young adult fiction books, attending performances, and rooting for the New York Knicks during the NBA season. I like to spend my time walking in my favorite parks and taking photographs.

What my coworkers say about me: Vanessa is an operational thinker with knowledge and experience from the non-profit sector, deep understanding of program impact, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is a quick learner that brings a warm energy into the room. She is a true helper, willing to fill in any gap with a genuinely present attitude.