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Judith Rivera '81, currently director of sales at Atria Glen Clove and owner of Miss Judy's Dance Studio at Ballroom Legacy in Sea Cliff, NY, was honored by the Nassau County Comptroller's Office for Puerto Rico Heritage Month.
The citation says she was honored as a dedicated professional with a passion for building community and helping her community.
With a public relations background, Judith spent much of her career as a performer and dance captain. She has performed in summer stock, regional and dinner theatres as well as on cruise ships. Judith can be seen in industrials, national commercials and films. She performed with three dance companies, Martita Goshen's Earthworks, Foot & Fiddle Dance Company and New York's Broadway Cheerleaders. Her acting credits include a lead role on the TV show, "America's Most Wanted" and special appearances on "One Life to Live" and "Another World."
A choreographer and dance captain, Judith has performed around the United States and abroad. She counts the prestigious "BIENNALE de la Danse" in Lyon France, and was the assistant director and dance captain for the Village Theatre Company's production of "What Would Esther Williams Do in a Situation Like This?"
When Judith reflects on her career, she believes much of her determination and leadership skills came from her time at St. Catharine's.
"I believe so much in St. Catharine’s because of what it taught me," Judith says. "I became a leader. I didn’t know I was learning that at the time--faith, responsibility to serve others, collaboration, selflessness, caring for those in need. That was instilled. I got it through the atmosphere in addition to the teaching. It gave me structure, it gave me discipline."
Recalling a trip to Spain and Morocco, she says Mrs. Casseneto was a major influence on her as a student. "The teachers believed in us. That is the bottom line."
Judith says she is a "diehard supporter" of St. Catharine's and a member of the Mercian Society. "I would go back in a minute and redo it exactly the same."
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