Alison Rivera
Submitted by Patti Chadwick
Editor of History’s Women
Batavia, NY

Since this is a brand new section at History’s Women, I get the honor of being the first to introduce you to a woman whom I admire. As I was thinking of who I should write about, the names of many women crossed my mind. I love Women’s History and there are a myraid of exceptional women I could mention. But I wanted to recognize someone who touched my life personally. Her name is Alison Rivera.

When I first got the idea to start the History’s Women website, I had no idea where to begin. I spent time in prayer, asking God to lead me in the right direction. He led me to contact Ali. I still can’t figure out where I got her name from, but I contacted her. It was the best decision I ever made. While making plans to sign up with her web-hosting service I discovered she was also a website designer. I told her what I was planning to do and what my hopes and dreams were for my new website and she helped them become a reality. She was patient with me and took the time to explain things that I’d never have figured out on my own.

Over the past few months that we’ve worked together, I’ve discovered many things about Ali that I admire. She’s been through a lot of heartache and trials in her life, but she’s never let them beat her. She’s managed to rise above adversity and remain free from bitterness. I don’t know if I would have come through such trials with such a good outlook on life.

Another thing I admire about Ali is her straightforwardness, honesty, and integrity. She means what she says and says what she means. If she gives you her word, she keeps it. Period. Sad to say, in today’s world, you don’t often find such virtues in people. She is indeed a “breath of fresh air” in a “dog-eat-dog” world.

While all of these characteristics are commendable, I’ve saved the best for last. The characteristic I find most admirable in the life of Ali is her “heart” for people in need. If there is a “cause” that needs to be taken up, Ali is the person you want to call. Just this past month a friend of Ali’s that lives clear across the country from her was facing a devastating predicament. This friend had been sick for sometime with a heart ailment and was awaiting surgery. She had many medical expenses and was not able to work and her family was suffering financially. This woman had unsuccessfully attempted to get government help many times and finances were now so bad that she and her family were facing eviction. Ali couldn’t stand by and let this happen. She put out “feelers” to see where she could find some aid and went as far as calling city officials and the State Senator with a plea for help. And relief was given. Because of Ali’s efforts, her friend was saved from eviction and granted Social Security Disability while she cannot work.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. While I don’t mean to use this section as an “advertising tool”, there are some things I just need to mention. On her various web-sites Ali offers help to many different people with various needs. Many of the resources she offers to others stem from tribulations she has experienced herself and some she offers just to brighten your day!

Ali is a multi-faceted woman with so much to offer those she comes in contact with. She’s honest, trustworthy, and a great example of “Loving your neighbor as yourself”. She truly is a woman to admire.