Iasha Rivers

Age: 37, Director of External Affairs and Corporate Communications
Macy’s Inc., New York City

As director of external affairs for Macy’s Inc., Iasha Rivers is the intermediary between the retail giant and the public, interacting with politicians, community organizations, clergy, businesses and customers to expand and market the Macy’s brand. 

Rivers came to Macy’s from the entertainment industry, where she had stints with the American Society of Composers and Publishers and public relations firm Double Xxposure. Prior to that, she worked as a performance improvement manager and resident coordinator for Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, in the special care unit — one of the first in the nation to have a dedicated AIDS center for long-term care patients. 

Experience in the health-care arena sparked a passion for volunteerism that Rivers has nurtured for more than 15 years. Her work in this area includes organizing holiday events for foster children, fundraising for AIDS Walk, participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and spending time with cancer-stricken children at the Ronald McDonald House of New York. She is equally committed to education and professional development and has given presentations on dressing for success to students at Medgar Evers College and business skill-building seminars at the Henry Street Settlement.

Rivers has taken courses in economics at Hunter College and is currently pursuing a degree in urban studies at Columbia University. She hopes to take on work with a more international focus in the future and is in the process of applying for Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs in preparation.

The single mother of two says there is no secret to the professional success she has attained. “My professional success thus far can be attributed to having a vision for myself and being relentless about achieving that vision,” she says.

Fun Facts
Favorite food: Seafood
Favorite comedian: Jamie Foxx
What artist would you go on tour with: Mary J. Blige
Dish you cook best: Macaroni and cheese
Favorite song/singer: “You Are My Friend” by Patti LaBelle
Favorite charity: United Way