Jenn Oshiro Rivers, Associate Director of Alumni Engagement in the College of Education.Worked for thirteen years at UNLV in various positions, including her time as a Graduate assistant.

Meet Jenn Oshiro Rivers, a vibrant member of the UNLV community with a diverse background. From student to volunteer, she's immersed herself in various roles, finding purpose and growth along the way. In our interview, Jenn shares insights into her UNLV journey, her favorite aspects of working there, her inquisitive nature, and the inspiration she finds in her nieces and nephews. Join us as we delve into her story in the UNLV Women's Council Spotlight.

Tell us about your experience at UNLV? 

I'm fortunate to have found a home at UNLV and have held many roles - undergraduate student, on-campus resident, graduate assistant, alumni volunteer, etc. I knew I wanted to go to a bigger school in a big city to challenge myself and put myself outside of my comfort zone. I've been fortunate to have many wonderful friends and colleagues through UNLV as well as be contributing member of the community.

What is your favorite thing about working at UNLV? 

I've worked both in both the public and private sectors and while both have their positives, working at UNLV continues to feed the soul. We have amazing individuals working on various projects and teams and we are contributing to the betterment of the lives of our students, alumni, and greater community. Education is so important; we are (or should be) always learning and growing and this environment is conducive to that.

What trait do you most like about yourself?

 I was totally the kid that always asked "Why?" probably to the chagrin of my parents. I like to understand how things work and why they are set up as such. I like hearing about what others are working on so I can better understand the bigger picture and bring context to my own role. This, in turn, lends me to better understand processes which might benefit from optimization or bring two colleagues together to collaborate. 

If you could learn to master one thing, what would it be? 

The enjoyment of exercise. I've seemed to have lost it in recent years.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you. 

I can be a bit of a contradiction. I love the band Avenged Sevenfold but could spend hours with my postage stamp collection.

What inspires or empowers you? 

My nieces and nephews. The youngest are under 10 and they get excited about a trip to the library or the newest Pokémon card they received.  Kids have so much compassion for others and a zest for life. It's a nice reminder for adults that they too can be authentically excited about life even with our day-to-day stressors. I strive to weave a little bit of fun in my work and personal lives.

Tell us about a woman who has been a mentor to you. 

I'm very lucky that there have been many people in my life that have supported me or provided me with advice; I can't single out any one person.

Any advice for women starting careers on campus? 

It's a lesson I'm continuing to learn myself - that of self-advocacy. If there are things that can make your job easier - whether it be a different computer, a different process, different schedule, whatever - don't be afraid to ask. It's not going to be a "yes" every time but that awareness and communication helps leadership move things forward and be more productive. Lastly, something I learned after the pandemic - You, as a human, are more than your job. Find the balance that is going to work for you and your situation. It's great to be ambitious, but it shouldn't be a detriment to your personal life or health.