CULTURE CORNER: Rachael Rivera, Associate Publisher

Q: First, tell us a little about yourself–where you live, your family, how long you’ve been at DE, and what you did before coming here.

A: I am originally from Albuquerque, NM, born and raised here, and have lived here all my life. I am definitely thankful and proud to be from this beautiful state, but there was a time when I wasn’t. In fact, in my teen years, I had always dreamt about leaving New Mexico to pursue “bigger and better things.” Thankfully, that didn’t happen because I probably wouldn’t be where I am today, living out my Catholic Faith and working for a company that fully embraces that.

I come from a huge extended family and a small, close, immediate family consisting of my dad, mom, older sister, and myself. My dad was just ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in June 2023 and is a significant part of my life. I consider him my spiritual mentor. He is married to my mom, Frances, who is also an Account Executive for DECM. She greatly inspires me because she has an unwavering spirit of fortitude. I also have one older sister, Sharayah, a Pre-Kindergarten teacher here in Albuquerque. I look up to her a lot and think immensely of her.

In Albuquerque, I am an Account Executive for two DECM publications: ABQ Catholic Parish Neighbors of the NE and ABQ Catholic Parish Neighbors of the Westside. I feel incredibly blessed and humbled to be serving God in this position. Previously, I was a Content Facilitator for over three and a half years. In January 2024, I started on a new business venture with the end goal of opening up my own magazine in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Stay tuned for updates! 

July 2024 marks a year and a half since I started sales! I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of this beautiful team of Holy Spirit-filled women: Jennifer Huffaker, my Publisher; Frances Rivera, my mom and Account Executive; Debbie Schaff, Account Executive and Content Facilitator; Kim Hurley, Content Facilitator; and our two outstanding photographers, Sarah McIntyre and Angela Chavez Adkins. I love how well we all work together and that our values align. I also wholeheartedly believe that we have been brought together purposefully to serve Christ.

Before joining DECM, I was a student at the University of New Mexico (UNM), where I graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and English. 

Q: What do you love most about working at DE?

A: The thing I love most about working at DECM is the support you get from everyone, whether locally or at a regional/national level.

Q: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: I love pizza, steak, and seafood. Yum!

Q: What’s the most memorable place you’ve visited?

A: Rome and the Vatican. Also, Madrid, Spain, for World Youth Day.

Q: Who is your favorite Saint and why?

A: It’s hard to choose, but I would say Saint Faustina and the Divine Mercy, which has helped me in times of despair or when I lack trust in God.

Q: What advice would you give to someone new in the business?

A: I suggest always remembering why you started and never giving up. God loves you and needs you, and so does your family and your community. Don’t quit. I always say and repeat these five words, which gives me a breakthrough when things get complicated: Jesus, I Trust In You.