Andrea Rivas

Andrea Rivas graduated from Monteávila University in Caracas, Venezuela with a degree in Comprehensive Social Communication. She has long history of volunteering and advocating for marginalized communities through social work. From a young age, she volunteered in a nursing home and provided support to elderly individuals without families. During her time at university, Andrea continued her dedication to social inclusion by volunteering with the international organization “Best Buddies Venezuela”, where she worked to encourage the social integration of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For her thesis, she created and implemented the Best Buddies ambassador selection program in Venezuela, which focused on empowering individuals with disabilities with developing leadership skills.

After migrating to the United States, Andrea’s focus shifted to assisting vulnerable populations. In Washington, DC, she began volunteering with a humanitarian organization that were helping migrants who were arriving by bus at Union Station. This experience inspired her to further her training in humanitarian work, leading her to become an Intake Service Specialist at SAMU First Response where she combines her passion for social causes with her background and degree in social communication. Today, she serves as an Intake Supervisor and supports individuals in crisis and helping provide vital resources to those in need.