Sandra Rivera ’85

I believe that your money is like your vote—you have to put it toward what you really believe in. And I believe in William Smith College. In fact, when I was putting my affairs in order several years ago, William Smith was the first organization I opted to include in my will because my experience there changed my life.

When I went off to Geneva in 1981, I was one of three siblings in college. There was no way my parents could afford to send us without scholarships and fellowships. To pay for school I worked multiple jobs throughout college to make my tuition payments. William Smith scholarships made a huge difference for me; they took a chance and offered me a wonderful opportunity.

My time in Geneva was transformative. I was very fortunate to find good mentors, strong supporters, and people who believed in me even when I didn’t. My economics professors, especially Professor Bill Waller, former Professors Bernie Lanciaux and Jerry Newsome, and Dean Rebecca Fox, all reached out to me and encouraged me to think big about my future.

To be honest, I’d never even considered graduate school. I thought that was something only “superstar students” could do. I was a good student and a hard worker, but graduate school? For me? My mentors didn’t give up on me. Bill Waller and Bernie Lanciaux helped me secure my teaching fellowship. That support continued.

Today, after earning my Ph.D., I have worked my way up and now am Supervisory International Economist where I help manage an office of Ph.D. and MA level economists that provides expert economic advice to Congress and U.S. International Trade Representatives. I love what I do and have earned the kind of job flexibility that allows me to leave my desk for a couple of hours to go see my son’s school events midday. I feel so fortunate and know I would not be where I am now if it wasn’t for my time at the Colleges and my stellar mentors. The support and encouragement I received is why, even today, I continually mentor students, why I was actively involved in the Alumnae Association, and why I decided to make a planned gift.

Dr. Sandra Rivera ’85 graduated from William Smith with dual majors in Spanish and economics. She earned her Ph.D. in international economics from University of Kentucky. Rivera currently serves as Associate Director, Office of Economics at the U.S. International Trade Commission (Washington D.C.). She served as President of the William Smith Alumnae Council and was a founding member of the Afro-Latina Alum Association. Rivera actively mentors dozens of students and mid-career professionals on leadership and public speaking. Currently she is active with the Troop 98 Troop Committee as her son works toward Eagle.