Vivian Rivera Hernandez: 2024 Latin Times Magazines Lideres Award

Latin Times Magazine had the pleasure of catching up with well-known community leader Vivian Rivera-Hernandez recently -Vivian is one of our 2024 Latina Movers N Shakers!

Latin Times Magazine: What part of Florida do you live in – are you from Florida? If not – what brought you to Florida?

Vivian Rivera: Ilive in Brookville, Florida, with my husband and son. I moved to Hernando County from NJ seeking abetter environment and upbringing for my son, and the beautiful weather was aplus. I was born to Puerto Rican parents in Newark, NJ in 1970 but moved to PR before entering school and was privileged to a beautiful childhood in the countryside of Caguas. I returned to NJ at the age of 13 before entering H.S.

LTM: Tell me about what you do for aliving

Vivian Rivera: Ihave been a licensed health insurance agent for over 20 years serving the Medicare population with their insurance needs.

LTM: Tell me about what organizationsyou are a part of

Vivian Rivera: Atthis time, due to recent health issues, I only focus on the organization that I founded in 2012, Miss Hispanic Queen of HC, Inc. and our annual HispanicHeritage Month Festival

LTM: Tell us about the biggesthighlights of your career

Vivian Rivera: Oneof my biggest highlights was to create history in our community in 2012 by havecounty commissioners signed the first ever Proclamation in our Countyrecognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. This organization served as a step forward in the right direction ofcreating cultural awareness and recognizing diversity in Hernando County.

LTM: As a Latina leader in thecommunity, business or other…what has been your biggest challenge and how haveyou been able to overcome it

Vivian Rivera: WhenI first moved here, it became clear the lack of cultural knowledge anddiversity in this area as it regarded Hispanics. Some of our local Floridians even expressedinterest and the curiosity of wanting to learn more. This contributed to my vision of giving backby creating an organization that would support education, music, art and canhighlight four different cultures, heritage and traditions by celebrating thecontributions of Latino Americans to the United States.

LTM: How important is being a Latina toyou

Vivian Rivera: Beinga Latina to me is part of my identity. My roots, values, culture, and heritage are a huge factor in molding mycharacter, beliefs, and certain behaviors. Embracing it is accepting who I am.

God is good !!! Several years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer (sarcoma). At that moment time froze because we had so many questions and the road ahead was unknown. The one thing we did know is that we believe in a God of miracles who is faithful and that we were in this together as a family. Memorial Day weekend plans were canceled as we prepared mentally and discussions were had. With the love and support of my husband, son, family, and friends who are like family and who sat through hours daily of treatment, we were able to get through surgery, radiation, and chemo. A process that began June 1st and ended December 7th.  A year later, my head is full of hair, my nails are no longer black from meds and most importantly I feel Great and looking ahead to every day with more appreciation. To all who joined my family in prayer, we are forever grateful. To God, all the Glory for He is the God of miracles !!!