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.
Want to book Catarina Rivera for your next event?
Email catarina.rivera@getapeptalk.com, and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm 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.
Please note: we can only assist with speaking requests. For anything else, we recommend reaching out to Catarina Rivera directly.
What topics does Catarina Rivera specialise in?
Catarina Rivera specialises in talking about disability awareness, inclusion, intersectionality and more.
What is Catarina Rivera's speaking style like?
Catarina delivers impactful sessions that blend personal experience with professional insights, fostering empathy and understanding. Her dynamic approach and clear, actionable advice make her a highly recommended speaker and consultant. __
Does Catarina Rivera offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Catarina Rivera offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
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.
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