Learn about our organization

 About Us

#iAmSHE Women Empowerment Organization prides on the Advancement of Minority Women and Girls. Founded by Xellex Z. Rivera in 2015 and launched at the Hampton Inn, Yonkers, NY – 25 women came together to be a part of the organization. This small gathering allowed all those in attendance to build lasting relationships with other women, network as well as share. Growing every year, #iAmSHE continues to work towards women empowerment through – SISTERHOOD. HEALING. EMPOWERMENT.

In May 2016, Xellex decided to stop procrastinating and develop her Mentorship/Empowerment program. With the undertone name of Caterpillar Girls Inc and under the umbrella of the Rivera Sister's Foundation-Xellex started a Women's Empowerment Seminar/Organization entitled #iAmSHE. This non-profit organization prides on the advancement of minority women and girls. With the devoted mission to provide a holistic approach and mentorship, bringing women and girls together in an effort to build positivity, network and strength.

Travelling state to state to promote the message of Sisterhood, Healing & Empowerment-through personal mentoring, transparency and motivation. #iAmSHE is more than a brand, it is a model towards a positive lifestyle.

Our Mission & Vision

The Mission of #iAmSHE is to provide a Holistic Approach and Mentorship to bring women and girls together in an effort to build positivity and strength.

The Vision of #iAmSHE is to create forums where women can come together to be transparent, vulnerable and protected. Through the use of network, and community outreach, women will be able to share their stories, promote positivity and build together.

Meet The Founder

Dr. Xellex Z. Rivera is a native of the Bronx, New York and a graduate of Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY, with a double Masters Degree in Counseling and Mental Health Counseling. A proud HBCU graduate, Xellex attended Livingstone College, Salisbury, NC with a major in Liberal Arts; English. Intially with the dream of becoming a journalist, Xellex quickly realized her life calling was going in another direction. In 2019, she was conferred her third Masters Degree from Walden University in Philosophy. With a passion to help people realize and chase their potential, Xellex currently works as the Program Director at a NYC Family Shelter in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Her primary clientale are families with children that are struggling with homelessness, as well as being severly mentally ill or drug addicted. She completed her doctoral work at Walden University with a concentration in Social Policy Analysis and Change. Xellex aspires to empower.

Working with vulnerable populations has always been her career drive and passion. Xellex has been working in residential facilities helping populations such as drug and alcohol addicted and homeless. Previously, Xellex worked as a program manager at a long term rehabilitation center, followed by single and family shelter. Xellex has been numerous leadership role as early as the age of 14. At the completion of her PhD work, Xellex is motivated to work to advocate and develop programming for vulnerable population – particularly the homeless in NYC.

Raised by a single mother, Xellex is a quick learner and has an unyielding drive to be successful. Following her favorite bible verse, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13), Xellex does not believe in the word "No", and works until she has what she wants. Xellex is an active member of Tau Upsilon Alpha National Honor Society and serves as the Vice President of the chapter. She is also a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success Honor Society. Growing up in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Xellex is no stranger to hard work, dedication and has been involved in numerous positions. Currently she serves as a member of the Connectional Young Adult in Christian Ministries (YACM) and Eastern Region YACM Chairperson.

In May 2016, Xellex decided to stop procrastinating and develop her mentorship organization with the hopes of launching a city wide mentorship program. With the undertone name of Caterpillar Girls, Inc. and under the umbrella of the Rivera Sister's Foundation – Xellex started a Women's Empowerment Seminar/Organization entitled #iAmSHE. This non-profit organization prides on the advancement of minority women and girls. With the devoted mission to provide a holistic approach and mentorship to bring women and girls together in an effort to build positivity and strength.With the succession of the #iAmSHE Women's Empowerment Conference, the organization has gone from 25 women to 75+ women – with the anticipation to continue to grow. Traveling state to state to promote the message of Sisterhood, Healing & Empowerment – through personal mentoring, transparency and motivation. #iAmSHE is more than a brand, it is a model towards a positive lifestyle.

SHE Scholars

SHE Scholars is designed to promote higher education among minority women – whether undergraduate or graduate. The design of #SHE scholars will be assist minority women with excelling in their studies. It will provide one on one mentorship for all persons actively enrolled in school. #SHE Scholar Apparel will assist with the 2020 Goal of Hosting the First Annual #SHE Scholars Luncheon, where students will be able to apply for scholarships.

Are You A SHE Scholar

Core Values: Integrity. Authenticity. Vulnerability. Strength.

She Scholars is designed to promote higher education among minority women – whether undergraduate or graduate. The design of #SHE scholars will be assist minority women with excelling in their studies. It will provide one on one mentorship for all persons actively enrolled in school. #SHE Scholar Apparel will assist with the 2020 Goal of Hosting the First Annual #SHE Scholars Luncheon, where students will be able to apply for scholarships.