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Disability inclusion speaker & founder

Catarina Rivera

Transform disability inclusion with Catarina Rivera, speaker and Blindish Latina founder. Catarina works with organizations to implement accessibility strategies and DEI initiatives, delivering powerful insights from her intersectional perspective as a Latiné woman with Usher Syndrome.

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Catarina Rivera, Speaker | Advocate, Educator, Founder
Catarina Rivera

Catarina Rivera

New York City, United States

Typical fee range

£11k–25k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Book Catarina

New York City, United States

Starting from

£11k–25k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Catarina Rivera's biography

At a glance

  • Founder of Blindish Latina
  • LinkedIn Top Voice in Disability Advocacy
  • Specialises in creating inclusive workplaces through disability inclusion and accessibility
Catarina Rivera, BA, MSEd, MPH, earned her BA in Psychology from Duke University with a Robertson Scholars Leadership Program scholarship, a Master of Science in Education from Bank Street College of Education focusing on Dual Language/Bilingual Education, and a Master of Public Health from Hunter College. Catarina founded Blindish Latina, a platform challenging disability stigmas through storytelling, advocacy, and education. She has over 14 years of experience in educational institutions and nonprofit organisations, specialising in program development, team management, capacity building, community organising, engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. As a Latiné woman with lifelong disabilities, Catarina offers a profound understanding of intersectionality in disability discussions. She wore hearing aids from a young age but was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome at 17, which includes progressive vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa and hearing disability. Catarina's disability journey evolved through stages: Denial, Acceptance, Self-Advocacy, and Public Advocacy. She understands the complexities of having a nonapparent disability and the societal changes she experienced after using a white cane. She now embraces disability pride and feels empowered by sharing her story. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Catarina's family is Cuban and Puerto Rican. She is a first-generation American on one side and second-generation on the other. Catarina shares her expertise and lived experience with disability, focusing on disability awareness, inclusion, digital inclusion, intersectionality, accessibility, allyship, and advocacy.

Topics, sessions and talks

The Perspective Of A Professional, Disabled, Latiné Woman
Perfect for Disability Pride Month, Latine/x Heritage Month, and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, in this session, Catarina Rivera addresses the intersectionality of identity within diversity through her personal storytelling approach. This session is typically delivered as a fireside chat.
A Practical Introduction To Disability Awareness
In this session, Catarina Rivera focuses on demystifying disability and equipping employees with foundational understandings of disability, including appropriate language to use for disability and how to prevent microaggressions. All participants will learn that disability is not a bad word!
Unpacking Ableism In The Workplace
In this informative training session, Catarina Rivera helps you be able to name and define ableism, including examples, and to understand the historical context of ableism in our society. Your team will also learn how ableism shows up in the common language we use and will receive recommendations for concrete actions that can address ableism in the workplace.
Disability Inclusion For Leaders
In this session, Catarina Rivera teaches managers and leaders the benefits of inclusion, why disability inclusion is so important, and best practices for inclusion. Managers and leaders will learn how to respond appropriately and supportively to disability disclosure.

Why we recommend booking Catarina

Book Catarina Rivera for her unparalleled expertise in disability advocacy, intersectionality, and DEI initiatives. With 14+ years of experience, a compelling personal journey, and a dynamic storytelling approach, she will inspire and educate your team on creating inclusive, equitable environments.

Check Catarina's availability

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Testimonials

Catarina came highly recommended by a colleague and…was incredibly professional, prompt at responding, and a joy to work with. Her presentation exceeded our expectations. She offered tangible advice in a way that was easy to understand and implement immediately. I would absolutely work with her again and would recommend her to other companies looking for a dynamic disability public speaker + DEI consultant speaker.

Stephanie Greunke

In-House Dietician & Senior Education Manager, Whole30

Catarina is the representation that an organization needs. Her thoughts, experience, and network result in well-crafted training sessions which are an asset for any organization to bring in. I continue to attend and benefit from her workshops and recommend her to everybody I know.

Keenan Gao

Workshop Participant

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Catarina Rivera for my next event?
Email catarina.rivera@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Catarina's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

What is Catarina Rivera's speaking style like?
Catarina Rivera draws on personal narrative to explore intersectionality, tracing her own journey through denial, acceptance, self-advocacy, and public advocacy as a Latiné woman with Usher Syndrome. She structures sessions around foundational frameworks — defining terms such as ableism and microaggressions, providing historical context, and closing with concrete workplace recommendations.

What topics does Catarina Rivera specialise in?
Catarina Rivera's sessions address intersectional identity as a disabled Latiné woman, foundational disability awareness and inclusive language, and identifying and tackling ableism in the workplace. She is the founder of Blindish Latina, a platform challenging disability stigmas, and brings over 14 years of experience across educational institutions and nonprofit organisations specialising in disability inclusion and DEI.

Catarina Rivera's sessions address intersectional identity as a disabled Latiné woman, foundational disability awareness and inclusive language, and identifying and tackling ableism in the workplace. She is the founder of Blindish Latina, a platform challenging disability stigmas, and brings over 14 years of experience across educational institutions and nonprofit organisations specialising in disability inclusion and DEI.

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Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a booking?

Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.