Mercedes De La Riva, Engagement Lead, stewards participant engagement and designs and facilitates Learning Institute offerings; bringing together individuals looking to improve philanthropic practice and maximize positive impact on partners, fields, and communities.

Prior to joining CEP in 2023, Mercedes was Enrollment Manager at the Rockwood Leadership Institute where she oversaw enrollment and recruitment for leadership development trainings serving public sector professionals across the country. Her career path has centered around program management in the non-profit and education sectors, fostering youth leadership and talent development efforts. It reflects her interest in learning and development and commitment to equity. Mercedes graduated with a B.S. in Community and Regional Development from University of California, Davis where she researched instructional and organizational effectiveness.

Outside of CEP, Mercedes can be found exploring the San Francisco Bay Area’s art, food, and hiking scenes, or curled up on her couch, with her cat and a good book.