Hi, I’m Zayda Rivera, known to many as Z. I write, edit, and love the way words and stories can shape our world.

I’m currently available for writing and editing assignments, panels, speaking engagements, and teaching opportunities.

For more than 20 years, I’ve been a professional writer based in the New York City area. Most days, I’m tucked away in a coffee shop with my laptop and cappuccino, writing my latest story.

I graduated with a communications degree from the University of Connecticut. Go, Huskies! Over two decades, I’ve racked up thousands of bylines in a variety of print and digital publications, including POPSUGAR, Parents.com, New York Daily News, Latina Magazine, BET.com, MSNBC, and more. I’ve covered stories on entertainment, culture, politics, breaking news, lifestyle, wellness, astrology, spirituality, and parenting. I’ve had the honor of interviewing some of the biggest Latino celebrities in the world, including Carlos Santana, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Zoe Saldana, Rosie Perez, and more.

My broadcast journalism work includes being a commentator on MSNBC, and the “Gossip Goddess,” delivering entertainment news on CT’s morning radio show, Chaz & AJ in the Morning. I also hosted the Showbiz Report, a daily entertainment news show on the New York Daily News website.

I’ve moderated panel discussions, led workshops, and co-hosted awards ceremonies alongside celebrity Latina journalists like Maria Elena Salinas and Maria Hinojosa.

In 2016, I started producing events and expanded my writing portfolio to include scripts and the run of show for black tie galas, awards ceremonies, conferences, conventions, panel discussions, fireside chats, and more. Additionally, I am the stage manager and the point of contact for all program participants, including sponsors and corporate partners. As an entertainment journalist, I created a vast network of talent agents, managers, publicists, and celebrities, primarily Latino film, television, and music stars, as well as political celebrities like Joaquin Castro. Now, I help organizations elevate their events with a celebrity presence by tapping into my network.

In 2019, I founded Mindful Living with Z, a wellness brand focused on providing offerings to people seeking a deeper connection with self and the Universe. As a certified Reiki Master Teacher, yoga instructor, and meditation guide, I’ve worked with hundreds of individuals on their healing journeys. To date, I’ve certified over 100 women of color as Reiki Practitioners through my class, Reiki & Heal: A 4-Week Certification and Joyful Living Course.

In addition to writing, editing, producing events, and spiritual offerings, I love to sing and was once the lead singer in a girls group called GEMZ, as well as a spoken word artist that toured to various colleges and universities around the country.

I love to travel and connect with my ancestral roots on the island of Boriken, known to many as Puerto Rico, where you will find me multiple times a year. I’m a student of life that loves learning new things, is an avid reader, and I’m currently writing my first book.

As a freelance writer, I currently have a column on POPSUGAR Juntos about Latinx spiritual traditions. I hope to expand my portfolio to include more stories on travel, music, and culture.