Kristin Rivera is a driven, ambitious leader who strives to eliminate barriers in recovery systems. Her passion stems from personal experience living with mental illness and facing difficulties in navigating mental health system during her childhood and into adulthood. Kristin was the first of her family to pursue higher education where she graduated from Binghamton University (SUNY) with degrees in Psychology (B.A.) and Sociocultural Anthropology (B.A.). Before joining Youth Power, Kristin had the privilege of working with youth, young adults, and geriatric communities to assist in educating and empowering individuals on their road to recovery using peer recovery programs, direct care management, and community-based services. Kristin’s favorite phrase is, “be the change you wish to see in the world,” which she embodies in her personal and professional life. Having grown up in the Central New York Region, Kristin aspires to fulfill the YP mission in her community as well as create a safe space across mediums for youth members to establish and maintain a sense of community during their advocacy journey.