MUSICIAN
Born into a family of musicians, Heily developed a deep love for music, dance, and the performing arts from a young age. She performs regularly with her family band, El Grupo H, comprised by her father, mother, and older sister and brother. Together, they have recorded albums available on all digital platforms, and were part of the ensemble that recorded music for the Colombian film "Rebelión," a biopic of the famous singer Joe Arroyo.
CHANGEMAKER
Rivas serves as the President of her family's 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Rivas Perdomo Family Foundation, which provides humanitarian aid to children and families in need in Latin America. The Foundation's efforts mobilize artistic expression in service of the community, as since 2005 the members of the Rivas Perdomo family have been using their musical talents as El Grupo H to collect donations across South Florida and deliver them in-person to families living in poverty. The Humanitarian Mission trips always include a live performance and an inspirational talk.
LEADER
Passionate and driven to help others, Rivas has excitedly jumped into leadership roles throughout her academic experience. From serving as President of a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter, to sewing face masks to raise funds for local beekeepers, to leading a student visit to the Massachusetts State House to advocate for funding for state college infrastructure, Heily is open to opportunities for impactful learning and service.
ENVIRONMENTALIST
Heily's sustainable fashion journey began when she learned how to sew, around the age of 8. Her grandmother, a professional seamstress and designer, taught her methods to economize resources that Rivas continually uses in her creative practice.
Determined to contribute positively to the future of fashion, Rivas seeks to continue her education into a Ph.D., exploring avenues for material and strategic innovation in the fashion industry to protect both the environment and the people involved in the clothing supply chain.