Rivera recognized by fellow ambassadors for outstanding service, dedication, and community impact across the North Central region

North Central, Mass. – Rosa Rivera, Licensed Social Worker and community advocate, has been named the 2026 Ambassador of the Year by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made during the Chamber’s 42^nd Annual Meeting on June 11, 2026.

Chamber Ambassadors are valued volunteers who serve as the face of the organization in the community. They assist the Chamber with communications to new and existing members, participate in ribbon cuttings, and help connect members at various Chamber events. Rivera was voted Ambassador of the Year by her fellow Chamber Ambassadors at their May meeting.

“Rosa embodies everything we could hope for in a Chamber Ambassador,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Her generosity, authenticity, and deep commitment to the people and businesses of our region have strengthened our organization in ways that go far beyond any title or role. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it comes directly from her fellow Ambassadors, the people who work alongside her and know firsthand how much she brings to this organization and our community.”

Rivera’s story is one of remarkable resilience and purpose. After more than 20 years in the banking industry, she made the courageous decision to follow her passion and transition into a career dedicated to helping others, earning her license as a social worker and devoting herself to advocacy, mentorship, and community empowerment. Today, she works as a full-time Permanency Social Worker with The Home for Little Wanderers and a part-time Therapeutic Mentor with The Child and Family Wellness Center. As an 8-year breast cancer survivor, her commitment to giving back is deeply personal, reflected in her passionate involvement with Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.

Rivera has been a dedicated Chamber Ambassador for many years, remaining committed to the organization through various stages of her career and life. Whether representing the Chamber through her years in the banking industry or volunteering her personal time as she does today, her dedication to the Chamber and the North Central Massachusetts business community has never wavered. Beyond her Ambassador duties, she has helped recruit new Chamber members, and her bilingual skills in English and Spanish have been an invaluable resource, she has generously stepped in to help Chamber staff communicate with Spanish-speaking members and businesses.

Rivera’s contributions extend well beyond her Ambassador role. She serves on the Chamber’s Women’s Leadership Connection Committee and on the Steering Committee of LIDER, the Chamber’s Latino Business Council. She is also a proud graduate of the Chamber’s Community Leadership Institute. Her broader community involvement includes serving on the United Way Day of Caring Steering Committee, the Greater Gardner Relay for Life Event Leadership Team, as Co-Captain of Rosa’s Warriors Relay Team, Latinos of UMass Network Steering Committee and on the Board of Directors of the Spanish American Center.

“Being part of the Chamber’s Ambassador program has given me the opportunity to connect with incredible business leaders and community members across our region,” said Rivera. “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from my fellow Ambassadors. Serving this community is not just something I do, it is who I am. I look forward to continuing to support the Chamber’s mission and the businesses and people who make North Central Massachusetts such a special place.”

Business leaders interested in learning more about the Chamber’s Ambassador program or becoming involved as volunteers are encouraged to contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600 ext. 239. The Ambassador program provides meaningful opportunities to connect with fellow business professionals while supporting the growth and success of the regional business community.

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