Maria Rivera

Maria Rivera has a diverse and extensive work history in the food service industry. Most recently, they served as the Chief Executive Officer at Smalls Sliders, where they led a team that achieved significant sales growth, media impressions, and brand positioning. Prior to that, they were a Member at Chief, a private network designed to empower and support influential women executives. Their experience also includes roles at Krispy Kreme, where they served as President of Krispy Kreme US and Chief Operating Officer of Krispy Kreme US & Canada. Additionally, they have held positions at WKS Restaurant Group, Signature Leaders, Logan's Roadhouse, TGI Fridays, Darden, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, and Hilton Worldwide in various leadership and operations roles within the food and beverage industry.

Maria Rivera has a Master of Science (MS) in Organizational Leadership and Change from Colorado Technical University. Maria also has a Master of Arts (MA) in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Rollins College. Prior to that, they obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Organic Chemistry from Universidad de Puerto Rico. In addition to their degrees, Maria has obtained additional certifications as a Signature Premier Graduate from Signature Leaders in 2018 and as a Sommelier from The Court of Master Sommeliers in 2002.