Elizabeth Rivera

Elizabeth Rivera joined the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation in 2010 and has brought her deep and diverse experience to new heights.

As Chief Operating Officer, Elizabeth oversees the day-to-day governance operations, programmatic, and administrative functions of the Foundation. She provides leadership to achieve the Foundation’s core mission of serving as a gateway for bold, cutting-edge doctoral researchers to become Engaged Leaders who have meaningful impact in their communities and in the world.  Through stakeholder consultations, sound financial management and collaborative teamwork, she ensures alignment with the Foundation’s strategic goals and business needs, driving improved operations and services, performance, and optimizing value through continuous and innovative transformation.

She is highly appreciated for her knowledge and direction in fostering and maintaining the Foundation’s community relationships, her sense of duty, workplace well-being, and in planning and co-organizing key events related to the Foundation’s leadership and scientific cycle activities, conferences, community retreats, governance meetings and galas.

Since her early days at the Foundation, Elizabeth has been a devoted team member, contributing to its selection processes, granting and management of doctoral scholarships, fellowship, mentorship, and public engagement programs. She is trilingual in English, French and Spanish and well-known for her intercultural competencies.

After studying administration, Elizabeth began her career in banking, where she gained valuable experience in the field of administration/accounting and operations management.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Elizabeth also held a management position for a non-profit organization. She has furthermore managed a family business for several years.

Elizabeth is dedicated to making a difference and helping those who have no voice. She is Chair of the Board of Directors of MADD Montreal (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), a cause that is particularly close to her heart.