Patricia Barela Rivera

Patricia Barela Rivera (born 1947) is a businesswoman and advocate for workplace diversity and gender equality. In 2023, she was inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame. She is currently the president and owner of consulting firm PBR Solutions, and serves on the University of Northern Colorado Board of Trustees through 2024. She comes from a family of sixth-generation New Mexicans.

She attended the University of New Mexico and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. She was recruited as the Regional Civil Rights/EEO Specialist for the U.S. Forest Service, then regional management trainer for the Office of Personnel Management in the Rocky Mountain region.

She co-founded the following organizations: Progressive Women of Colorado, Colorado Women Circles of Influence, Adelante Mujer Hispana, Les Mujeres of League of United Latin American (LULAC), Latina Safehouse, and Latinos Leadership Institute.

Recognition 2025, Denver Business Journal, Outstanding Women in Business Lifetime Achievement Award 2023, Colorado Women's Hall of Fame 2007, Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce Athena Award 1997, Girl Scout Women of Distinction Denver

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