Carlos A. Rivera Fernández, a powerhouse leader who is a recent graduate of the 2025 New American Leadership Academy, NALA program. He was an integral part of a 23-immigrant cohort from different nationalities, which worked together on various projects that aligned with, or will align with, some of the community projects each cohort member will face, or better ways to assist in the growth of their community. In the program, participants received mentorship and professional development on topics such as government, civic engagement, strategic collaborations, implicit bias, public speaking, and conflict resolution. With his expertise in helping individuals and small businesses better manage their finances, and in mentoring young people to address challenges that often arise in the community he serves, Carlos A. Rivera Fernández focuses on faith and professional development strategies to achieve this. Originally from Puerto Rican, this youth pastor and owner of Prime Financial Solutions is even more motivated than ever to empower individuals and strengthen his neighbors upon completing the NALA program. He spoke with Okon Ekponyong, Bureau Chief of New Americans magazine.

Initial Expectations

I expected a leadership program. What I found was a transformational journey that reshaped the way I see myself, my community, and my purpose.

Insights

NALA taught me that leadership is not a title, it’s influence, authenticity, and service. That truth will guide every step I take moving forward.

Advice

Why should others join? If you’re unsure about joining NALA, that’s exactly why you should. This program awakens the leader already inside you and surrounds you with people who believe in your potential.

Balance

Balancing responsibilities, I learned to prioritize my purpose, manage my time with intention, and lean on the support that God had placed around me. Harmony comes when your mission matters.

Experience

My experience with the city of Columbus, the Department of Neighborhoods, and their staff was exceptional. Their commitment to our success was evident in every session, every email, and every source they provided. They didn’t just facilitate a program; they invested in us. Their support made me feel seen, valued, and capable of making a meaningful impact on my community.

Roots

Growing up in Puerto Rico taught me resilience, warmth, and a sense of community. Our culture values unity, faith, and perseverance, and those values shaped the way I lead. I learned early that leadership is relational. It’s about serving others, staying connected to your people, and remembering where you come from. My background provides me with a perspective that enables me to lead with empathy while celebrating diversity.

Influence

As a Youth Pastor, I carry the responsibility of guiding young people spiritually and personally. NALA strengthened my ability to disciple, mentor, and inspire them by teaching me practical leadership strategies rooted in emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and community engagement. The program expanded how I view mentorship, not just as guidance, but as empowerment.

Skills

My passion for financial literacy is rooted in a desire to see families break the cycle of poverty, create generational wealth, and build stability. Through NALA, I gained a stronger understanding of how to connect community resources, build partnerships, and widen my impact. I plan to use these tools to develop workshops, collaborations, and initiatives that bring practical financial education to underserved communities.

Integration

Integrating all my backgrounds into business gives me strategy, psychology gives me connection, and service gives me purpose. NALA helped me bring them together into a vision for impact in Columbus.

Favorite Quote

My favorite John Maxwell quote, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way,” is a daily reminder of the kind of leader I strive to be. I don’t want to just talk about change; I want to model it. I don’t want to just inspire others; I want to walk with them. NALA reinforced that leadership is active, intentional, and rooted in service. Every day, I try to embody this philosophy by learning, acting, and helping others rise with me.

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