Keynote - James rivera

University of Texas at San Antonio Graduate

James Rivera is a first-generation college graduate from The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Criminal Justice. During his time at UTSA, James was involved in Student Government as the Downtown Affairs Director where he represented close to 4,000 students to UTSA administration and community leaders, James completed an internship in a congressional office on Capitol Hill through the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute where he was exposed to the legislative process and gained valuable leadership skills.

In 2014, James graduated from Lufkin High School, and is an alumnus of Communities in Schools of East Texas (CIS). James remains engaged with CIS as a Co-Chair of the Alumni Leadership Advisory Committee and a volunteer with CIS of San Antonio. James believes in inspiring the next generation of leaders by advocating and mentoring high school students and sharing his college experience.

Keynote Speech: From Pine Trees to the Alamo City: My Journey Through Higher Education and How I Became a Trailblazer in My Family

Abstract: As a small child, I had big dreams. I wanted to be a garbage man. And anyone who really knows me, knows that I will always have a special place in my heart for that profession. However, as I was coming of age, that changed. And it changed constantly. From school bus driver, to a crane operator, to a police man and paramedic, I saw the world as mine to take over. But, I did not have a plan, no course of action. I didn't even have an answer to the question, "where do you see yourself in 10 years?". I didn't know what life was going to be like after high school.