MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Hispanic and Latino leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference across the state.
Profiles of these leaders will be published over the course of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. These are people readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Enid RiveraSebastian Restrepo
Enid Rivera
Age: 48
Community: Springfield
Her Story: Enid Rivera has always strived for excellence and to do well by those around her. She graduated as the valedictorian of her class from Springfield’s High School of Commerce in 1993. Through her participation in a mock trial team, Rivera began her “passion for social justice,” she added.
Continuing her education, she attended American International College in Springfield where she studied and obtained a degree in sociology, learning about human behavior and the consequences of those behaviors.
Her career began almost three decades ago when she entered the United States Postal Service (USPS).
“I gained a spirit for advocacy for the working community,” Rivera said. “After studying the contract language, I was determined to support workers who were treated unfairly.”
Rivera served as a union steward for 12 years before being elected to her current role in 2021 as maintenance craft director for the APWU Local 497, which represents about 760 postal workers around Western Massachusetts.
“Within my first year, I effectively represented employees in cases involving pay scale discrepancies, resulting in the recovery of back wages,” Rivera said.
She described the role of maintenance in the postal union as one that’s traditionally “male-dominated,” but that “women are increasingly joining the field.” Rivera added she is now the union’s first Puerto Rican and female maintenance craft director.
Rivera said she’s been inspired by the words of people like U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, who has expressed support in the work Rivera and her fellow union representatives do.
“Hispanic women are advocating for the rights of others and are advancing rights in all fields,” Rivera added.
Now in her second term of leadership, Rivera said she works to ensure contractual protections for maintenance postal workers. Rivera added she has worked alongside more than 20 union stewards to file grievances for employees in need of “support against unjust practices from upper management.”
“This work includes filing on behalf of employees who are owed compensation, advocating for employees who have taken Family Medical Leave Assistance, articulating reasonable accommodations for employees, and many other measures,” Rivera said.
Rivera called her work “tireless,” and said when necessary she will bring matters to arbitration. She said part of her work is also attending proceedings with union employees so that they know they’re not going it alone and have someone to support them.
“I study the contract and work closely with union stewards to negotiate, compromise, and resolve issues amicably and professionally,” Rivera said. “As the APWU Maintenance Craft Director, I believe in the strength of unions in all fields as one of our strongest American values. My community is my union, and I am proud to be a representative for us all.”
In Her Words: “For Hispanic individuals, and Hispanic women in particular, do not be afraid to trailblaze and be the first in whatever path you seek. Your community and the world need you and your powerful voices. As my mother always said, ‘sigue luchando,’ keep fighting!”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
