PATRICIA BARELA RIVERA

Colorado District Director Patricia Rivera

Colorado District Office

721 19TH Street, Suite 426
Denver CO 80202-2517
(303) 844-2607 · FAX (303) 844-6468

Patricia Barela Rivera is the U.S. Small Business Administration, District Director in the State of Colorado. She is responsible for and manages the implementation of key economic and outreach programs committed to providing quality customer-oriented, full service programs and information to the small business community, lenders, resource partners, and the minority and women’s communities. The main focus is to assist small businesses in their formation and growth in order to be a key part of the state’s economy. Under her direction the Colorado District Office has received several SBA national recognitions, such as “The Administrator’s Award for Excellence for the Greatest Increase in Emerging Markets”.

Prior to being the SBA District Director, she was the Director for Citizen Advocacy and Outreach in the Governor’s office. She also managed the Governor’s Advocate Office which is the primary constituent/citizen services office for the State of Colorado. She oversaw statewide community outreach programs and special projects. Oversaw the Governor’s Diversity Plan which was the nation’s first plan ever developed at the state level.

Also, Deputy Director for the State of Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Oversaw key economic development initiatives, such as the Minority and Women’s Business offices. Was also the Governor’s representative at various statewide public functions, specifically in the minority and women’s community.

Ms. Rivera was the President/Owner of PBR & Associates Inc., a successful management consulting and training firm. Nationally known for her motivational, professional development seminars and keynote addresses. Particularly in the areas of leadership, diversity issues, management, human resources and strategic planning for small businesses.

Was a Regional Civil Rights/EEO Specialist for the U.S. Forest Service and regional management trainer for the Office of Personnel Management, Rocky Mountain Region. She began her professional career in 1970 as a Career & Placement Director for the University of Albuquerque.
PROFESSIONAL/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

2006, Board of Directors, Junior Achievement
2006, Board of Directors, Honorary Member, Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
2006, Board of Directors, Johnson & Wales University, Community Leadership Institute
2006, President’s Community Advisory Board, Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2005, Acknowledged for accomplishments in the Congressional Record for “Superior SBA Goal Achievement and Management”
2005, Latino Advisory Board, Better Business Bureau
2005, City of Denver, Mayoral Appointee – Development Review/Permitting Board
2005, Feature Cover Story, CORE Magazine
2004, Feature Cover Story, Colorado Biz Magazine
Board Member – Centro San Juan Diego Community Advisory Board
Board Member – Denver Art Museum, Latino Advisory Board
Board Member – Colorado Film Society

Past Board Member – Denver Museum of Nature and Science Trustee, Kempe Foundation Board, Channel 9 “Who Cares” Board, Bronco’s Minority Advisory Council, Rocky Mountain Export Council, Denver Foundation – Inclusiveness Initiative, Tiffany & Company-Community Advisory Board.
Acknowledged twice in the House of Representatives – Congressional Record for Excellence in Community Service
Named “Who’s Who in Denver Business” for four years – Denver Business Journal

Recipient, Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce “Pioneer Award” 1st Hispanic woman SBA District Director in the U.S.
Recipient, SBA Administrators Award for Excellence
Recipient “Bernie Valdez Self Sufficiency Award”, Latin American Research & Service Agency (LARASA)
Recipient, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) “Director’s Award”
Named “Woman of Distinction” Girl Scouts of America
Named “20th Century Woman”, Colorado Women News Magazine
Named “100 Most Influential Hispanics in the United States”, Hispanic Business Magazine
Recipient, “Volunteer of the Year Award” Hispanic Annual Salute
Recipient, “Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award”, City of Denver
Named “Hispanic Who Makes A Difference” , Visiones Magazine
Feature cover story “SBA Colorado District Director”, Zenith Magazine
Named as on the key leaders in Denver in “Leading the Way” feature article, Emerging Markets Magazine
Named Businesswoman of the Year, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Recipient “National Leadership Award, National Bar Association

Featured guest/speaker on the Phil Donahue Show