NC-HCAP News

NC-HCAP appoints new pre-college coordinator/NC-AHEC liaison
01.07.08

CHAPEL HILL – The North Carolina Health Careers Access Program (NC-HCAP) announces the appointment of Koyah Rivera as pre-college coordinator/NC-AHEC liaison.

In this position, Rivera is responsible for planning, developing and implementing all pre-college outreach initiatives. She recruits K-12 students to participate in NC-HCAP programs and activities, with particular emphasis on the Health Careers Information and Enrichment Workshops. She also advises pre-college students regarding career interests and college planning. In her role as the NC-AHEC liaison, she provides consultative support to the NC Area Health Education Centers program office and the nine AHEC centers across North Carolina.

Prior to assuming this role with NC-HCAP, Rivera was employed as a college admissions counselor at Shaw University in Raleigh, NC. She also has prior experience as a language arts teacher for Wake County Public School System and a TV news producer/writer at two NBC affiliates. Rivera is also the founder/executive director/TV host of Beyond Gifted, Inc., a non-profit organization that produces the “Beyond Gifted” television program to assist K-12 students in developing a post-secondary plan to reach school and life success.

“Koyah is a welcome addition to our staff. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will aid us in strengthening our programmatic initiatives and outreach throughout the state,” said Patrena Benton, NC-HCAP executive director. “Her passion and commitment to youth are contagious. Students, parents, educators and administrators will be eager to work with her.”

Rivera received dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in communications and English in 2000 from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.