BEYOND BARRIERS
Leadership is often defined not during easy seasons, but in moments of uncertainty, loss, and change. For Erica Rivera, resilience has become a defining characteristic of her six years as Executive Director of Beyond Barriers and her 19-year commitment to the organization overall.
Headquartered in Hutchinson with offices in Dodge City and Pratt, Beyond Barriers provides employment services, independent living resources, vision services, advocacy, and education. All services are free of charge. The organization believes individuals are healthiest and happiest when they are connected to and contributing within their communities.
Rivera stepped into executive leadership following a season of profound transition. The organization had experienced the retirement of its longtime Executive Director and the sudden passing of Assistant Director Andy Reichart, leaving both emotional and operational gaps.
Rather than retreat, Rivera leaned in.
“Loss changes you,” Rivera said. “It reminds you how important people are — the staff you work beside and the consumers you serve. It strengthened my resolve to lead with heart and purpose.”
Her leadership has been marked not only by professional challenges, \but deeply personal highs and lows as well, including battling cancer \and welcoming a grandchild.
Those experiences shaped her leadership philosophy: steady, compassionate, and grounded in perspective.
“Over the past six years, I have grown in confidence and leadership. Stepping into the Executive Director role challenged me in new ways and helped me learn how to make difficult decisions, manage responsibilities, and lead with purpose. I have learned to trust myself more and believe in my ability to lead. I am still learning every day, but I am proud of how far I have come and how much I have grown both personally and professionally,” said Rivera.
Colleagues describe Rivera as someone who blends institutional wisdom with courage. Having served in multiple roles over 19 years, she understands the organization from the inside out, from direct consumer services to strategic oversight. At the same time, she has not hesitated to innovate.
Under her leadership, Beyond Barriers has:
- Completed a full rebrand and name change to better reflect its mission
- Moved into a more accessible and welcoming facility
- Strengthened financial stability and pursued new funding opportunities
- Introduced fresh community engagement strategies, including a fundraising event featuring comedian Josh Blue
Rivera’s willingness to try new ideas, combined with her deep loyalty to the organization’s mission, has positioned Beyond Barriers for long-term success.
For Rivera, leadership is not about titles or timelines. It is about people. “It’s important to stay connected to the individuals we serve,” she said. “If we lose sight of that, we lose sight of everything.”
Six years into her executive role and 19 years after first walking \through the doors as a young professional, Rivera’s commitment remains clear: remove barriers, strengthen communities, and ensure every individual has the opportunity to live independently and contribute fully.