Meet the NYC Startup Internship Alumni: Pamela Rivera

I was born and raised in New York City and grew up in Washington Heights in a Dominican household. I recently walked at Baruch College’s commencement and am completing my final course this summer. At Baruch, I studied marketing management with a concentration in advertising and marketing Communications. Before transferring, I earned an associate’s in digital marketing from Borough of Manhattan Community College.

My path into advertising began with my mother. For more than two decades, she owned and operated a small business in Washington Heights. Growing up around her business showed me entrepreneurship, leadership, and persistence. I saw how much work it took to build something from the ground up and serve a community. When her business closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, I became more aware of the challenges small businesses face, especially when they don’t have access to strong marketing resources or the tools needed to adapt.

As I paid more attention to other businesses in my community, I noticed that many owners had strong products, services, and customer relationships but were missing opportunities because they didn’t always know how to market themselves or build a foundation for growth. This helped me understand why marketing matters. I have also always loved public speaking, helping people, creating things, and being on stage. Growing up around the performing arts allowed my creativity and confidence to develop naturally. Advertising felt like the perfect combination of strategy, storytelling, creativity, and communication to help businesses express their value.

This summer, I am interning with Trailblazer, a startup focused on helping first-generation students connect with mentors who have already navigated similar educational and career paths. Trailblazer’s mission resonates with me because I’m a first-generation college student. I understand what it’s like to enter college without having access to all the knowledge, connections, or guidance that other students may receive from their families. Students are often expected to make important educational and career decisions on their own; having a mentor who’s shared that experience can make the journey feel more possible.

My work at Trailblazer focuses on marketing and strategic growth. I’ve helped revamp the company’s website, support outreach efforts, and contribute to activations and partnerships with schools and community organizations. I’ve also supported work with partners serving students in the US and Mexico. Through these projects, I’ve seen how marketing, partnerships, and community engagement can work together to create a larger impact.

I’ve strengthened both my technical and soft skills during the program. I have learned how to use artificial intelligence more intentionally through stronger prompting, research, ideation, and problem-solving. I have also gained basic experience using HTML while working on the website and expanded my familiarity with website-building platforms and SEMrush. Most importantly, I’ve become more adaptable, resourceful, and communicative.

Because I work remotely, my typical day often begins with a quick meeting with my chief marketing officer to discuss priorities, share updates, and prepare for upcoming tasks. I then spend the day executing projects, whether that means reviewing website design and copy, researching partnerships, preparing outreach, or supporting an activation. Remote work has taught me to overcommunicate, ask questions, and keep everyone aligned. Some days also include meeting with company leadership to discuss strategy, collaborate, or create content.

Looking ahead, I hope to build my career in New York City’s advertising industry. My long-term goal is to become a strategist. As I begin my career, I’m targeting account roles because I believe the account side will help me strengthen my client communication, campaign management, and understanding of how agency teams work together.

This internship is giving me the confidence to wear multiple hats, learn from experienced professionals, and contribute in a fast-moving startup environment. My advice to future interns is to stay grounded, communicate openly, ask questions, and be willing to help. Most of all, be a sponge. An internship lasts for a limited time, so absorb as much as possible, make yourself useful, and make sure you’re growing while also contributing.