Hispanic Heritage Month at RIVA

Each year we observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.  

To honor this incredible month, RIVA Solutions is highlighting our employees who are of Hispanic and Latino descent. 

Employee Spotlight  

Name: Giovanna (Gia) Williams 

What is your role at RIVA:  Program Director – AHRQ Web Modernization 

Where did you/your family emigrate from:  The Republic of Panama, Central America 

1. What has been your greatest influence on your career?  

Being mentored by Carolyn Manley, a Fed Compliance Officer, was a great influence in the turning point of my early career. I can recall her coaching me on dressing for success and making some tweaks to my work attire. As seemingly minor as this gesture may be, my mentor was motivating me to look beyond the present and prepare myself for future opportunities. With the right wardrobe and new outlook on my career, Carolyn fine tune my leadership, administrative, and technical skills; that ultimately led to me serving in various roles as a Project Manager and Director. As I reflect on my career, the result of hard work, preparation, dedication, learning from failure, earning postgraduate degrees/certifications, and having great mentors, are the factors that led me to occupying a prominent role within the IT/Federal Government Contracting Space. 

1. What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?  

My Panamanian heritage is an essential part of my identity, and for me this month is a special time to reflect on the spirit of perseverance. No matter the industry, Hispanics are dedicated hard workers and we will continue to overcome whatever challenges come our way. But above all, Hispanics should be proud and stand in the many contributions we have made to America’s strength. 

1. What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success, and why?  

Being a graceful and compassionate person are the qualities that I attribute to my growth. I never cease to be humbled by incredible and supportive colleagues that I meet. Whether you are a director or a janitor, being consistent in how we treat others is a standard in which I measure my successes in life. 

1. What advice would you give to young Latino professionals who are looking to get into the IT/GovCon space? 

Don’t be a know it all. Identify role models and leaders. It is important to be coachable. No matter how high of a position you are in, there is always room for improvement and growth. Keep persevering young Latinos! 

Name: Karla Saravia 

What is your role at RIVA:  Senior Marketing Associate  

Where did you/your family emigrate from:  El Salvador  

1. What has been your greatest influence on your career?  

Growing up and seeing the strength and perseverance my mother had in moving up in her career — She moved to this country to start working in a convenience store, and she now manages district sales for one of the largest Hispanic-owned companies in the U.S. Her drive to keep going and never settle has been my greatest influence – to set extraordinary goals and to always go for them.  

1. What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?  

Hispanic Heritage Month is one of my favorite ways to highlight and honor all the cultural richness in our community. This month also means being appreciative of the sacrifice my parents made to uproot their whole lives to move our family to the United States, to give my brother and I access to better opportunities.  

1. What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success, and why?  

Being passionate and honest are the qualities that I attribute to my growth. Being passionate about my work makes me more resilient and better able to accommodate any shifts. Being my authentic self in my work also enables me to be stay focused, be respectful and take responsibility.  

What advice would you give to young Latino professionals who are looking to get into the IT/GovCon space? 

Be confident, be coachable, be polite, learn new skills and do not be afraid to explore outside your comfort zone.  

Learn More about our RIVA Culture.  

RIVA is relentless in our pursuit of providing equal opportunities for all employees and empowering them in the workplace. Learn more by tuning in to our blog, website, and follow us on our social media accounts for updates on our work and employee initiatives.