Jonathan Rivera

Jonathan Rivera is a first generation college graduate who grew up in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood in Cleveland. He credits his education to opening many doors throughout his life, and has found his passion in working with first generation college students and their families to help them produce similar opportunities. While working for Cleveland Municipal School District, he played a significant role in increasing the Hispanic graduation rate by 23%. Jon has worked with Cleveland’s inner city youth for over 10 years and has facilitated many projects that include reconditioning a youth recreational center in his old neighborhood, mentoring, crisis intervention, and sponsoring out of state exposure trips and youth lock-ins. Recently he led a sock drive that raised over 1000 pairs of new socks for people in need. In 2014, Jonathan was recognized for his leadership efforts with an “Excellence in Education” award from University Hospitals and The Hispanic Roundtable. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Media and Communications with a focus in Marketing from Bowling Green State University.