Lidya Rivera-Early who strengthened STCC’s ties to community takes new role at UMass

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – In her role as director of Community Engagement, Lidya Rivera-Early enjoyed building and strengthening Springfield Technical Community College’s relationships.

“I was able to be a storyteller for the college,” Rivera-Early said. “I enjoyed going out into the community and telling people what we did. STCC is right in the center of the community, but a lot of times I found that people didn’t know that we are the only technical community college in Massachusetts.”

Rivera-Early was passionate about amplifying STCC’s mission and vision and helping the Springfield region know about the services the college provides. She was instrumental in developing and building the College for Kids summer program, which has been growing in recent years. The program exposes children between 11 and 16 to learning opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

Other programs created under her leadership are LEAD, which is designed to help female students find their voice, and “fast track” accelerated programs to expedite the time it takes to earn certificates. 

During the pandemic, she developed a virtual series called “We the Women” which  celebrates achievements by women leaders in the community. The series became an in-person event on campus and offered inspiration and motivation to students and the community.

She also served on a number of boards for organizations in Springfield, including Way Finders, which is a provider of programs that combine housing and employment services, and Square One, which provides a range of family-friendly education and support services.

"Bringing the right people together is critical when you're trying to impact the greater good," said Kristine Allard, Vice President of Development & Communication for Square One. "Lidya is a masterful collaborator. Her love for the community and the respect she has for the people who live and work here make people want to be a part of anything she does. She is a gift to our community."

Jasmine Naylor, chair of the Board of Directors for the Springfield-based housing agency Way Finders, said, Rivera-Early brings a mix of “positivity and professionalism” to her community work.

“Lidya Rivera-Early is really a dynamic professional who knows how to dovetail relationship building with community investment,” Naylor. “She’s someone who really puts her all in everything she does … and knows how to get results.”

I was able to be a storyteller for the college. I enjoyed going out into the community and telling people what we did. Lidya Rivera-Early, Director of Community Engagement

Prior to working as Director of Community Engagement, she served as the GPSTEM (Guided Pathways to Success in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program director. In 2016, she was honored as one of the “BusinessWest” 40 Under Forty members.

BusinessWest noted she was a volunteer with the Gandara Mental Health Center, the Family Resource Center, the Springfield City Council’s ad hoc committee for workforce development, and Let’s Connect, a nonprofit startup initiative, among others. She received the 100 women of color award in 2018 and Latina Excellence Award 2022.

Having served as Director of Community Engagement since 2017, Rivera-Early said she felt it was time to move on to a new opportunity at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

“My work at STCC has opened doors for me now to move on and explore new opportunities at UMass,” she said. “I am looking forward to continuing my work with the community but in a different capacity.”

She was appointed to a new position at UMass, executive director of government relations and Springfield partnerships. With 25 years of leadership, development and managerial experience, Rivera-Early will tap her established relationships in the public and private sectors to serve as the liaison between UMass Amherst and the City of Springfield. 

Before joining STCC, Rivera-Early worked as a grant administrator for the City of Springfield and for the Springfield Housing Authority as grants coordinator and manager.

Vice President of Student Affairs Darcey Kemp said Rivera-Early played an important role in developing programs while developing and strengthening partnerships in the community.

“We thank Lidya for her years of service at STCC and for spearheading community programs like ‘College for Kids’ and ‘We the Women,’” Kemp said. “We wish her success as she applies skills in her new position at UMass.” 

Born in Stamford, Conn., Rivera-Early spent part of her childhood in Puerto Rico before moving to Springfield. She graduated from Central High School in 1994.

She received a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a master’s degree in Organizational Management and Leadership in Human Services from Springfield College.

Rivera-Early ended her service to STCC on Nov. 10. In an email to the campus community, she said was sad to leave STCC but looked forward to a great opportunity at UMass.

“While I will be at another institution, I will still be very connected to STCC and Springfield in my new role,” she wrote. “Thank you for allowing me to be part of this remarkable journey, an experience that has shaped not only my career but also who I am as a person. In bidding farewell from STCC, my hope is that our paths will cross again, and we'll create even more incredible collaboration and opportunities for those who we serve.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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