2021 GMiS Luminary Honorees

As the Executive Technical Assistant and Deputy of the Futures Core Team at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Aida Rivera-Varona’s ability to bridge both the technical and corporate/strategic program areas, and take on leadership roles and responsibilities across various sectors, has made her an invaluable asset to the NRC.

During her career, her drive, innovation, and forward-thinking have allowed her to attain remarkable professional achievements, while helping the NRC fulfill its vision of becoming a modern, risk-informed regulator even at is meets its important nuclear safety and security mission.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico to parents who encouraged her interests in STEM, Ms. Rivera-Varona earned her B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus in 2002. Soon afterwards, she moved to Washington, DC, after she was hired by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as a general engineer, taking on progressively more difficult and demanding responsibilities ever since.

As a highly sought-after senior mentor at the NRC, Ms. Rivera-Varona has supported members of the Hispanic community through her role as chair of the Hispanic Employment Program Advisory Committee (HEPAC) from 2008 through 2012. Her work for Hispanics and other underserved groups was recognized in 2011 with a Meritorious Service Award for Equal Employment Opportunity Excellence.