For Daniel Rivera, the Boys & Girls Club isn’t just a workplace—it’s home. A Club kid himself, Daniel has been part of the Boys & Girls Club movement for nearly three decades, starting as a member at the Boys & Girls Club of Ironbound before dedicating his career to serving young people. Since joining BGCM in 2017, he has played a key role in ensuring that our spaces are safe, welcoming, and full of opportunities for kids to learn and grow. Whether overseeing day-to-day operations or helping teens prepare for their futures, Daniel’s passion for the Club’s mission is clear in everything he does.
Read on to learn more about Daniel’s journey, his biggest inspirations, and a surprising fact about his past!
How long have you been working at the Club?
I started working at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County in August of 2017. Growing up at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ironbound and working for a few other Clubs in the state, I’ve been part of the BGC family since 1996.
What is your favorite part about working for the Club?
The best part about working at the Boys & Girls Club is that I get to give back to a place that shaped me as a kid. I grew up in a Club, so I know firsthand how much of a difference it can make. Now, I focus on making sure our buildings are safe, fun, and full of opportunities for kids to explore—whether that’s through sports, homework help, or workforce development for our teens. It’s the best place for young people, and I’m proud to be a part of creating that environment every day.
What or who has been a significant influence in your life and why?
My biggest influence was my grandmother. At different points in my childhood, she stepped in to raise me and did everything she could to keep me focused and out of trouble, even when the environment around me made that difficult. She constantly flooded me with books and magazines, encouraged me to study, and pushed me to practice public speaking—even making me speak in front of large audiences. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate it, but looking back now, I can’t thank her enough for being so persistent. She also had this incredible wisdom that I always tapped into, and now people often tell me I give off that same energy. Everything she poured into me has shaped who I am today.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people at the Club might not know?
Something people don’t know about me is that I represented Newark, NJ in baseball at the 2004 International Children’s Games in Cleveland, Ohio. It was an incredible experience competing against young athletes from around the world and being part of an event that brought together over 1,300 participants from more than 50 cities and 30 countries. For me, it was more than just a competition—it was a chance to build friendships, experience different cultures, and showcase the talent from my hometown on an international stage. Over 20 years later and I’m still thankful for that opportunity!
Continue Reading
