Daniela Rivera, MBA

Chief Executive Officer

Daniela Rivera is the founder and CEO of DR Strategic Associates, bringing over 15 years of experience in workforce development, human services, and nonprofit leadership. A passionate advocate for equity and access, Daniela is known for building and scaling million-dollar programs and businesses that create lasting social and economic impact.

At DR Strategic Associates, she leads a team focused on grant writing, vocational counseling, strategic planning, and business development. She specializes in helping mission-driven organizations grow with clarity—securing funding, strengthening operations, and designing results-driven programs.

Daniela is a certified workforce development professional with advanced training in trauma-informed care, nonprofit leadership, and inclusive workforce design. A sought-after speaker and trainer, she delivers engaging workshops on talent pipelines, impact storytelling, and job seeker empowerment.

Rooted in authenticity and results, Daniela brings vision and strategy to every partnership—advancing DR Strategic Associates’ mission to uplift people and purpose through solutions that scale.

John Paxton Jr. M.Ed

Chief Strategy Officer

John Paxton Jr. serves as Chief Strategy Officer at DR Strategic Associates, where he brings over a decade of experience in higher education, counseling psychology, and nonprofit leadership. With a dual M.Ed. from Rutgers Graduate School of Education, John is a visionary strategist and connector known for building culture, mentoring future leaders, and creating systems that drive impact

At DR Strategic Associates, John leads strategic planning and organizational growth efforts, helping to align mission-driven goals with scalable solutions. He draws from his background in academic advising, film production, and nonprofit development to design innovative approaches to workforce development, client engagement, and community partnerships.

As a co-founding member of the nonprofit And They Spoke, John understands the power of storytelling and advocacy to spark meaningful change. His work at DR Strategic Associates focuses on cultivating bold ideas, expanding impact, and fostering authentic connections that empower individuals and organizations alike.

Christina Zaeir, MA

Senior Advisor, Workforce & Wellness Initiatives

Christina is a business-savvy strategist with over a decade of experience in healthcare, human services, and workforce development. As a Senior Associate at DR Strategic Associates, she is dedicated to crafting realistic, results-driven plans that fuel programmatic growth and organizational impact.

With a strong background in social work, mental health services, and youth workforce planning, Christina brings both heart and precision to every project. She holds a master’s degree from Shepherd University and is known for her ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex portfolios, and deliver large-scale initiatives on time and within budget.

Christina specializes in implementation strategy, project management, and portfolio growth—supporting clients as they scale programs, align operations, and drive measurable outcomes. Her thoughtful approach to problem-solving and her commitment to innovation help organizations and individuals move from vision to execution with confidence

Greg Rivera

Director of Systems & Operations

Greg Rivera is a seasoned systems strategist and operations leader with over 15 years of experience in corporate management, process improvement, and organizational optimization. As Associate of Systems & Operations at DR Strategic Associates, Greg specializes in leveraging technology and streamlined processes to enhance performance, boost productivity, and support scalable growth.

With a proven track record of leading diverse teams to execute strategic goals, Greg’s expertise lies in aligning tech solutions with organizational priorities. His deep knowledge of systems integration, workflow automation, and process design has consistently delivered measurable improvements and cost savings across sectors.

Greg is known for his ability to simplify complexity, build efficient infrastructures, and drive results through thoughtful, tech-enabled strategies. At DR Strategic Associates, he ensures operational excellence behind the scenes—empowering clients and internal teams with systems that work smarter.