Liva Rivera: Bold, Brave, and Unstoppable 

When you meet Liva Rivera, you are instantly drawn into her world of energy, kindness, and fierce determination. She is a powerhouse—a woman who exudes inclusivity, confidence, and a vibrant presence that commands attention. As the Chief Communications Officer at Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel, Liva is a force to be reckoned with in the workers’ compensation and insurance industry, and her journey to this moment is nothing short of inspiring. 

A Journey Shaped by Determination and Grit 

Like many professionals in this industry, Liva did not set out to land in insurance or law. She found herself here through resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering drive to succeed. 

Academics were not a primary focus in her family, and financial constraints made college uncertain. She dreamed of being a teacher but faced the harsh reality of needing to work full-time. A receptionist position at a law firm opened doors. From that moment forward, Liva was determined to learn, grow, and thrive. From legal secretary to paralegal to business development, she climbed up, fueled by curiosity and an innate ability to build relationships. 

And that’s where Liva shines—her people skills are unmatched. She understands the power of connection, of truly seeing people for who they are and what they bring to the table. She embodies leadership by empowering others, mentoring the next generation, and ensuring that those around her feel valued. 

A Defining Moment of Strength and Sacrifice 

Liva’s journey took a life-altering turn in 2007. With a seven-year-old daughter and a baby on the way, she faced an unimaginable challenge—her sister lost custody of her niece, and Liva stepped in to raise her. Navigating the complexities of the foster care system, all while juggling a full-time career and her growing family, tested her in ways she never expected. 

Liva did way more than survive—she thrived. This experience redefined her perspective on balance, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be a mother and a professional. She learned to embrace the chaos, redefine success on her terms, and use every challenge as fuel to push forward. 

The Fire That Drives Her 

For Liva, success is not just about professional accomplishment but about proving to herself and the world that she can achieve greatness. Growing up, she often felt she was not enough, but rather than let that define her, she turned it into motivation. 

Every year, she creates a vision board—a map of her dreams and goals to conquer. She does more than talk about ambition; she lives it. She proves that anything is possible with hard work, resilience, and an unshakable belief in oneself. Her mantra? Never stop pushing to be YOUR best—whatever that looks like. 

Breaking Barriers as a Woman in the Industry 

Despite women's strides, Liva recognizes that the path to leadership is not always smooth. Without a formal education, she faced barriers that kept certain doors closed. And while her success is undeniable, she cannot help but wonder what opportunities might have existed had she had a different start. 

Yet, she refuses to dwell on what could have been. Instead, she has created her own lane, proving that experience, tenacity, and a relentless work ethic are just as powerful as any degree. She has become a beacon for others, showing that a singular path doesn't define success—it's about what you make of the opportunities in front of you. 

The Power of Influence and Mentorship 

Ask Liva who has influenced her most; she won't name just one person. Her journey has been shaped by countless individuals who believed in her, sometimes more than she believed in herself. She is a testament to the power of mentorship and the impact that encouragement can have on a career. 

Her greatest influence? Her children. They are the reason she pushes forward every day. They are her legacy, and their pride in her success fuels her determination. Making them proud is her ultimate achievement, and she leads by example—showing them that dreams are meant to be chased and caught. 

A Career Milestone: The Dream Job 

Landing her current position as Chief Communications Officer felt almost surreal. The title, role, and opportunity to shape the firm's future were beyond anything she had ever imagined; however, if there is one thing to know about Liva, it is that she does not let titles define her. What defines her is the work she puts in, the relationships she builds, and the impact she makes every single day. 

Staying Resilient in the Face of Setbacks 

Liva knows that obstacles are just stepping stones. Her favorite quotes remind her to keep her eyes on the goal: “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal,” and “When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.” 

These words guide her through difficult times, keeping her anchored in her purpose. She believes that setbacks are not roadblocks; they are lessons. And if she says she will do something, she will find a way to make it happen—no matter what. 

A Message for Women Entering the Industry 

If Liva could offer one piece of advice to women entering the industry, it would be to support other women. 

The relationships she has built with powerful, successful women have been game-changers. She urges young professionals to find mentors, seek wisdom from those who came before them, and embrace successes and failures. Women lifting each other up creates a ripple effect of strength and success that changes industries, businesses, and lives. 

Redefining Leadership 

For years, Liva struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning whether her voice mattered. But she has learned that leadership is more than a title—it’s about impact. She now embraces her role as a leader, not just in her firm but in the industry at large. Her mission? To instill confidence in others, just as so many have done for her. 

She believes that the possibilities are endless when people genuinely believe in their potential. Leadership is about pouring into others, giving them the courage to chase their dreams, and watching them rise. 

The Lessons That Stick 

One of the biggest lessons Liva has learned is that no job is beneath her. She is always willing to roll up her sleeves, do the work, and support those around her. She does not believe in competition—there is enough room for everyone in this industry. What is meant for her will come to her. 

Liva has also learned to celebrate her victories. Too often, women shy away from acknowledging their wins, but Liva knows the power of owning her success. She works hard, and when that hard work leads to something incredible, she will absolutely celebrate it. 

The Reality Behind the Success 

People often ask Liva how she landed a job like hers, assuming it was a seamless path. But they do not see the struggles, the setbacks, and the relentless effort behind the scenes. 

Her career has been anything but a straight line. She has faced failures, doubts, and moments where she had to pick herself up after a fall. But she never stopped showing up. She never stopped believing that she was meant to make a difference. And that’s exactly what she does—every single day. 

Liva Rivera is a woman who leads with authenticity, passion, and resilience. She proves that no dream is too big, no challenge is too daunting, and no setback is final. Liva is bold. She is brave. She is unstoppable. 

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