Anthony “Tony” Rivera ‘02 G’05 has carved a unique and impactful path in both education and business. Originally from New York City, Tony’s journey from SUNY Poly to becoming a passionate school counselor and entrepreneur has been shaped by his diverse experiences and deep commitment to making a difference.
While attending SUNY Poly, Tony was not only a dedicated student but also a standout on the basketball team, coached by the legendary Kevin Grimmer. Though his playing time was limited, Tony learned valuable life lessons through the sport, including teamwork, leadership, and resilience. He credits Coach Grimmer for showing him that there’s more to being part of a team than just the game itself. “It was about family,” Tony reflects, a sentiment that has guided him throughout his career.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Tony also served as a resident assistant (RA) from his first semester, a role that sparked his passion for student support and guidance. He worked in various campus positions, including graduate assistant for SUNY Poly’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), one that he fondly credits for his success as a student. The EOP Director at the time, Alan Harrison, was instrumental in shaping Tony’s leadership skills and guiding him toward positions of responsibility, ultimately preparing him for his future roles.
After completing his undergraduate degree in Business, Tony continued his education by pursuing an MBA in Technology Management at SUNY Poly. Once he entered the workforce, Tony spent some time in corporate America, including a role at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. However, his true calling came when he transitioned into higher education, serving as an admissions counselor at Siena College. For nearly six years, Tony helped prospective students navigate the college application process, all the while staying connected to his roots in student mentorship.
Tony’s passion for supporting students led him to the field of school counseling. After working in various educational settings, including a charter high school, Tony returned to graduate school to earn his school counseling degree. He now works as a school counselor, focusing on elementary school students, where he feels he can have the most profound impact. “At the elementary level, I can work with families and make a real difference in students’ lives before they face the challenges of high school,” Tony says.
Outside of his day job, Tony has ventured into entrepreneurship. In 2022, he founded Fostering Minds LLC, a consulting organization focused on supporting foster youth and their families. His personal experience growing up in the foster care system inspired him to give back to this underserved community. Through his organization, Tony collaborates with local foster care agencies to drive impactful change within the community. He travels, engaging in speaking engagements that raise awareness about foster youth issues and advocate for their needs. In addition, Tony provides comprehensive training and workshops designed to equip caregivers and educators with vital skills and information. He also shares his message through the children’s books he has authored.
Tony’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to foster youth are supported by his strong foundation in business, which he attributes to his time at SUNY Poly. “The business and tech management courses, especially marketing and accounting, have been invaluable in helping me run my nonprofit and manage my personal ventures,” he shares. His ability to merge his background in business, education, and his passion for youth mentorship has led to remarkable success.
Looking back on his time at SUNY Poly, Tony recalls the supportive environment that fostered his growth, both personally and professionally. “The staff at SUNY Poly, particularly in the EOP program, saw my potential and guided me every step of the way,” he says.
His advice to current students is clear: “Take your academics seriously but focus on truly learning the content. Grades will follow if you understand the material and can apply it in real-world situations.”