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Patricia Barela Rivera is President and Owner of PBR Solutions. A consulting firm that specializes in small business advisor/coaching, strategic planning, governmental and public policy consulting, creative marketing, community & public affairs and leadership development.
2008 - 1997 - U.S. Small Business Administration, District Director in the State of Colorado for eleven years. She was responsible for and managed the implementation of key economic and outreach programs committed to providing quality customer-oriented, full service programs and information to the Colorado small business community, lenders, resource partners, and the minority and women’s communities. The main focus was 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 received several SBA national awards and recognition, such as “The Administrator’s Award for Excellence for the Greatest Increase in Emerging Markets”. Her office was one of the top SBA offices in the country in reference to helping small businesses.
1997 – 1994 - Director for Citizen Advocacy and Outreach in the Governor’s office. She managed the Governor’s Advocate Office which was 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.
1994 - 1991 - Deputy Director for the State of Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Governor’s appointee - she oversaw key economic development initiatives, such as the Minority and Women’s Business offices, International/Economic Development Office, the Motion and Picture TV Commission. Was also the Governor’s representative at various statewide public functions, specifically in the minority and women’s community.
1991 - 1985 - 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 and the public and private sectors.
1985 – 1979 - Regional Civil Rights/EEO Specialist, U.S. Forest Service
1979 – 1974 - Regional Management Trainer, Office of Personnel Management, Rocky Mountain Region.
1974 – 1970 - Career & Placement Director, University of Albuquerque
Education: University of New Mexico – Business Administration
PROFESSIONAL/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT/AWARDS-COMMENDATIONS
• 2013, KeyBank Achieve Award
• 2013, Trail Blazer Award, Latina 1st Luncheon
• 2013, Civil Rights Award, Anti Defamation League
• 2012, 25 Most Influential Women in Denver, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce
• 2012, Co-founder of American Dream Political Action Committee
• 2012, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
• 2012, Zoo Board of Directors
• 2012, Board of Directors, Black Chamber of Commerce
• 2010, Co-Founder, Progressive Women of Colorado
• 2010, Professional Women of the Year, Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
• 2010, Board of Directors, Denver Biennial of the Americas
• 2010, Board of Directors, National Hispanic Cultural Center, New Mexico
• 2009, Martin Luther King, Jr., Business Social Responsibility Award
• 2009, President’s Community Advisory Council, Solera National Bank
• 2009, Treasurer for Romanoff Campaign for Senate
• 2009, Board Member, Colorado Ethics Business Advisory Board
• 2008, Board Member, Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Station
• 2008, Life Time Achievement Award, Escuela Tlatelolco
• 2008, Outstanding Leadership Award, Vote No on 46 Campaign
• 2008, Life Time Achievement Award, Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• 2008, Life Time Achievement Award, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce
• 2007, Be Bold Award, Denver Women’s Foundation
• 2007, Athena Award Recipient, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce
• 2007, Leadership in Business Award, Black Economic Summit Annual Conference
• 2007, SBA District Director -Key Jobs in Denver Article – 5280 Magazine
• 2006, SBA Administrator’s Award for Excellence
• 2008, Mayoral Appointee, Denver Zoo Board of Directors
• 2008, Board of Directors, Rocky Mountain, Public Broadcasting Station
• 2008, Board of Directors, Colorado Scholarship Coalition
• 2006, Board of Directors, Junior Achievement
• 2006, Board of Directors, , 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
• 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 “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
• Co-Founder of Adelante Mujer Hispana – lst Hispanic Women’s Conference in the U.S.
• 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
