Life & Work with Alexandra Rivero

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Rivero. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Established in 2023 and operating out of Miami, FL, The Monarch Mental Health Foundation was founded in loving memory of Miriam Motola Rivero – a cherished mother, spouse, daughter, sibling, friend, and licensed mental health professional who devoted her 30-year-long career to aiding thousands of individuals, ranging from the young to the elderly, grappling with the unseen affliction of mental illness.

Her unwavering dedication to destigmatizing mental health struggles and her passion for fostering understanding within the community are what inspired the MMHF’s mission and her family’s calling to lead by example. She is survived by her husband and children – Raul, Lexi, Lauren, and Raul Jr. – who will embark on this new journey together, aiming to champion mental illness within the community. Miriam’s empathy and expertise have left an indelible mark on those she touched, and the foundation strives to honor her legacy by carrying forward her values of compassion, empathy, and resilience.

The Monarch Mental Health Foundation is committed to carrying on Miriam Motola Rivero’s legacy, striving to raise awareness, provide education, eliminate stigma, advocate change, and combat mental illness by providing resources to those in our community who suffer from it and continuing the work that was dear to her heart.

Through collaborative partnerships and targeted initiatives, the foundation aims to create a lasting impact in the lives of individuals and families affected by mental health challenges. By supporting research, promoting accessible treatment options, and fostering open conversations, MMHF seeks to build a society where mental well-being is a top priority and where everyone can find the support they need on their journey toward recovery and resilience. The Monarch Mental Health Foundation aims to ensure that Miriam’s impact on the field of mental health endures for generations to come.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Grieving the loss that inspired this foundation has been incredibly difficult, adding an emotional layer to the immense task of building something new. On top of that, we’ve encountered several challenges along the way. One hurdle was getting up to speed on the nitty-gritty aspects of running a foundation.

We had to learn financial processes and tax requirements from scratch, which can be overwhelming. Staffing has also been a challenge – with limited resources, we haven’t been able to hire a full team, so we’ve had to rely heavily on volunteers. This has meant a lot of long hours and juggling multiple tasks for everyone involved.

Despite these struggles, there have been some amazing moments. We’ve successfully pulled off two fundraising events, which is a huge accomplishment considering our limitations. The enthusiasm and support from the community at those events were truly inspiring. We’ve also participated in two campus walks to raise awareness about our cause, and seeing the outpouring of support from the Miami community has been incredibly motivating.

Through all the challenges, we’re building something beautiful. This foundation is a testament to the fact that even in the face of grief and obstacles, anything can be overcome. It’s a way to honor our loss while creating something positive that can help others.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In my day job, I wear a few hats! As an account executive at an advertising agency, I get to work directly with my clients, helping them develop and execute creative campaigns. At MMHF, I take the lead in brand management, which means I help build and elevate a brand’s image across all touchpoints.

This includes crafting a strong visual identity, managing a social media presence, and developing messaging that resonates with our target audience. But my skill set goes beyond the digital realm. I also love planning events. From initial concept to execution, I can manage all the moving parts to ensure a high-attendance, unforgettable experience. Overall, I love understanding what makes a brand tick and translating that into effective communication strategies.

But what I’m truly most proud of is how I’ve been able to take those skills and apply them to my work with the foundation. It’s been incredibly rewarding to use my knowledge of branding and social media to raise awareness for our cause and connect with our audience on a deeper level. It’s a beautiful way to combine my professional experience with my passion for giving back.

What I feel truly sets me apart, though, is my ability to empathize and connect with people. I’ve honed my intuition for reading a room and understanding what resonates with others. This translates well into both my advertising work and my foundation efforts.

In advertising, it allows me to create campaigns that truly speak to the target audience’s emotions and needs. The foundation, allows me to connect with those affected by loss, struggling with their mental health, donors, and volunteers on a personal level, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.monarchmhf.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monarchmhf/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092618268524
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/monarch-mental-health-foundation/