Dr. Xellex Rivera
Chief Program Officer
Housing Solutions of New York
Dr. Xellex Z. Rivera, known as “Dr. X,” is a proud native of the Bronx, New York, and a dedicated advocate for vulnerable populations. She holds a double Master’s Degree in Counseling and Mental Health Counseling from Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY, and is a proud graduate of (an HBCU) Livingstone College, Salisbury, NC, where she majored in Liberal Arts and English. Initially aspiring to be a journalist, Xellex discovered her true calling in the field of mental health and social advocacy. In 2019, she earned her third Master’s Degree in Philosophy from Walden University. As one of the youngest C-Suite non-profit executives in New York City, Dr. X currently serves as the Chief Program Officer of Housing Solutions of New York. She has completed her doctoral work at Walden University with a concentration in Social Policy Analysis & Planning. And ended her academic journey at the illustrious Howard University, completing an Executive MBA. Her impactful research, featured in Forbes Women and on Bronx Network, includes her dissertation titled “Experiences of Long-Term Stay Among Homeless Millennials in New York City Shelters,” which explores the narratives of millennials experiencing prolonged homelessness. Xellex is deeply motivated to advocate for and develop programming for vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless community in NYC. Her work has garnered attention from major news outlets, including Fox News, CBS News, and NBC News. She is the author of the self-help memoir, “Nobody Listens to Me” – being a 3-day #1 best seller on Amazon. She is also a contributing author to the book “Ministry that Impacts” published by the Re-Thinking Church Summit, and she actively educates and facilitates workshops on homelessness. In addition, Xellex serves as an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University, teaching a transcontinental course between the New Jersey and Vancouver campuses, and is a Dissertation Mentor at Walden University. Outside of work and teaching, Xellex volunteers at community events including but not limited to food pantries, toy drive giveaways, collection of coats and socks for shelter residents and mentorship. She also hosts a virtual monthly mentorship session for young women interested in advancing in their career. Raised by a single mother, Xellex embodies resilience and a relentless drive for success. Guided by her favorite Bible verse, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13), she embraces challenges with determination. Her involvement in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church has instilled in her a strong work ethic and commitment to service. Dr. X is also the Founder and CEO of the #iAmSHE Women’s Empowerment Organization, dedicated to advancing minority women and girls. Under the umbrella of the Rivera Sister’s Foundation, #iAmSHE focuses on providing holistic mentorship and fostering a sense of community and empowerment among women and girls. The organization has grown from 25 to over 100 participants through its successful Women’s Empowerment Conference, and it continues to expand its reach across states, promoting the message of sisterhood, healing, and empowerment. For Dr. X, #iAmSHE is more than a brand; it represents a transformative model for a positive lifestyle.