NDI is thrilled to welcome Kathleen Rivera as its new Chief Advancement Officer.
Kathleen Rivera (she/her) is a visionary nonprofit leader and accomplished philanthropy strategist with over two decades of experience driving impact and innovation across the social sector. With a deep expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, communications, and organizational growth, Kathleen has consistently delivered transformative results for mission-driven institutions at the local, national, and global levels.
She brings a proven track record in securing major and principal gifts, building cross-functional teams, expanding community engagement, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire action. Kathleen’s leadership is marked by a steadfast commitment to equity, service, and sustainability, qualities that have earned her a reputation as a trusted architect of growth and meaningful change.
Most recently, she served as Interim Chief Advancement Officer for the Lower Eastside Girls Club, where she launched an innovative fundraising initiative that mobilized next-generation philanthropists and donors of color—raising over $2 million in its inaugural year.
Her distinguished career includes senior roles at The Child Center of NY, CARE USA, International Planned Parenthood Federation, and Children’s Rights. At The Child Center of NY, she led development strategies that generated over $10 million annually, supporting more than 59,000 children and families citywide. At CARE USA, she expanded major donor engagement in the Northeast region and mobilized strategic investments through high-level partnerships with the CEO and Board. At Children’s Rights, Kathleen spearheaded a major gifts program, launched a National Young Professional Leadership Council, and secured key investments that enabled the opening of the organization’s Southeast Regional office in Atlanta.
A Boston native, Kathleen began her career on the front lines as a community organizer and grassroots leader, with a focus on education, financial literacy, the arts, and gender-based violence prevention. She studied Comparative Literature and Business Law at Brooklyn College and is a proud alumna of the LISC AmeriCorps program. Her dedication to community impact has earned her numerous accolades, including the National City Year Moccasin Award.
Now based in New York City with her two college-age children and their beloved dog, Lucy, Kathleen is honored to join National Dance Institute (NDI) as Chief Advancement Officer during a milestone 50th anniversary year for the organization.
“Arts education is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline. It sparks imagination, builds confidence, and connects us across every background and experience. I am deeply honored to join NDI – an organization that has uplifted generations through the transformative power of dance as we celebrate its incredible legacy and carry forward Jacques d’Amboise’s vision: for every child to discover their full potential through the joy of dance.”
— Kathleen Rivera
With a passion for the arts and a lifelong commitment to equity, Kathleen is poised to amplify NDI’s mission and help shape its next chapter of impact, innovation, and inspiration.