Jessica Rivera?

Nicknamed "Sunshine" and known for her heart to serve, Jessica Rivera is the Executive Director of Wake Harvest, a youth mentorship and development organization dedicated to preventing youth suicide and empowering the next generation.

Born in upstate New York on April 30th, Jessica grew up alongside her older brother and younger sister, raised by loving parents. In 1998, her family relocated to Kissimmee, Florida. During her senior year at East Ridge High School in Clermont, Florida, Jessica took a service-learning elective that profoundly shaped her future, igniting her passion for serving others.

Jessica's first job was at Walt Disney World, where she excelled in hospitality management. She later built a successful career working at multiple timeshare resorts and as a preschool teacher.

Jessica is a devoted wife and mother of two—a son and a daughter.

In 2013, after experiencing multiple miscarriages, Jessica became a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. Through her research on grief and loss, she discovered that depression is the link between grief and suicide—one of the leading causes of suicide. This realization became her calling, leading her to dedicate her career to suicide prevention.

In 2015, Jessica and her family relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina.

By April 2017, she founded JRV Consulting, LLC, specializing in grief recovery and special events. However, she soon shifted her focus to youth development and suicide prevention, which led to the creation of Wake Harvest.

In January 2019, Jessica launched the Wake Harvest Youth Mentorship Program, an outreach initiative dedicated to helping children develop emotional regulation, self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and social confidence. That summer, Wake Harvest hosted its first summer camp, ensuring that no child was left home alone. By December 2019, over 65 children were actively enrolled in the program, and it has continued to grow.

Through Wake Harvest, Jessica has developed a one-of-a-kind youth development program that strengthens family relationships, builds trust, and promotes effective communication. She partners with parents to create a nurturing environment where children feel heard, understood, and empowered.

In 2020, Wake Harvest opened its first center. During the height of the pandemic, Jessica transformed the facility into a virtual learning center for WCPSS families, ensuring children had the support they needed for remote education.

In 2021, she implemented the Wake Harvest before- and after-school program, further expanding the organization’s reach. Jessica firmly believes that #ItTakesAVillage—and she is committed to being a vital part of that village.

In January 2023, Wake Harvest partnered with St. Paul’s Christian Church, where the organization now occupies the children’s ministry building to continue offering mentorship, development programs, and summer camps.

Jessica’s mission is simple yet powerful: to give the next generation hope for the future.

Jessica’s passion for youth development continues to drive Wake Harvest’s expansion. In 2025, she is launching the CROP (Children Reaching Optimum Potential) Program, a 10-week initiative designed to equip youth with critical life skills. CROP focuses on emotional regulation, problem-solving, coping strategies, healthy relationships, self-esteem, bullying prevention, and more—all within a supportive and engaging environment.

Jessica is also working toward securing a permanent center in Wake Forest to further expand Wake Harvest’s reach and provide more opportunities for mentorship, education, and community support. Her vision is to create a safe, nurturing space where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

With a steadfast commitment to her mission, Jessica continues to plant seeds of hope, strength, and resilience in the next generation—ensuring that every child who walks through Wake Harvest’s doors knows that their life has purpose, meaning, and a bright future ahead.