Title: Payroll Principal Secretary (Retired)

Company: New York Board of Education

Location: Brooklyn, N.Y.

Initially, Sylvia Rivera-Vecchio became involved in the educational profession because she was a single parent and decided to choose a career that meshed with her daughter’s school days. She found a job with the principal, who personally asked her to be his assistant. Now retired after 26 years in the profession, Ms. Rivera-Vecchio looks back upon payroll principle secretary at the New York Board of Education.

Through the New York Board of Education, Ms. Rivera-Vecchio’s highlights include seeing students return telling her she made a difference her their lives, and the many teachers and administrators who acknowledge her professionalism. Now in retirement, she prepares religious curriculum for children at the local church, and cares for relatives with Alzheimer’s. Prior to joining New York Board of Education, Ms. Rivera-Vecchio worked for TRW Credit Data Morgan Guarantee Trust Bank, Child Headstart Program, Marcel Dekker Publishing Company, and RGD Graphics.

In five years, Ms. Rivera intends to volunteer at a hospital, where her friend is currently volunteering with the elderly, and publishing a book of poetry. Being a being a single parent for so many years, she wanted to show her child that women can overcome hardships, and that they have to be independent. Her advice to those entering the work-force is to learn how to deal with different people that everyone has their own issues, and learning how to get along with everyone will gain you a lot of respect.