Greensboro, NC – When Gabriella “Gaby” Rivera first stepped into the golf industry, she did not yet know exactly where the path would lead. What she did know was that golf had already changed her life, and she wanted the opportunity to help it change others’ lives too.

“I have been working my butt off since the very beginning,” Rivera said. “The moment I realized this was the right path, I wanted to make it even bigger for myself.”

Today, that vision has come full circle. Rivera recently earned her Class A membership with the PGA of America, marking a major milestone in a journey that began through the PGA WORKS Fellowship. Her story reflects the very mission of PGA WORKS: creating pathways into the golf industry while expanding the game for everyone.

A native of Puerto Rico and a 2019 graduate of Chowan University, Rivera was first introduced to the game in high school, where she quickly developed a passion for golf and emerged as a leader both on and off the course. A former collegiate golfer, she continued to pursue opportunities within the game, ultimately becoming the third Carolinas PGA WORKS Fellow.

During her time as a fellow, Rivera gained invaluable experience in public speaking, working in high pressure environments, and building strong professional relationships. The opportunity to be involved in community driven programs helped shape her career path, reinforcing her desire to stay in the golf industry. She also credits the fellowship for pushing her outside of her comfort zone and giving her the tools she needed to succeed, while creating lasting memories through team building experiences and mentorship.

For Rivera, golf was more than a sport growing up. It was an outlet. During difficult periods in her life, the game became a form of therapy and a place where she felt free. That experience shaped the professional she would later become.

“I wanted to be the example that my younger self needed,” Rivera said. “If I can show someone that they belong in this game and that they can accomplish this too, that is the biggest accomplishment for me.”

Rivera first discovered the opportunities within the golf industry while attending what is now known as the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship. The networking opportunities and exposure to different career paths opened her eyes to possibilities she had not previously considered. Soon after, she applied for the PGA WORKS Fellowship through the Carolinas PGA Section, an experience she describes as pivotal in shaping her career.

The fellowship introduced Rivera to programs like PGA HOPE and PGA Jr. League, showing her how golf can be used as a powerful tool for community impact. One experience in particular stood out: working with veterans through PGA HOPE. With her father having served as an Army Green Beret during Desert Storm, the program carried special meaning.

“That experience really stuck with me,” Rivera said. “Seeing how golf can help veterans through their transitions was incredibly powerful.”

Beyond the programs, the fellowship also helped Rivera develop professional skills that she still uses today, including communication, public speaking, marketing, and social media. Just as importantly, it connected her with mentors who helped guide her through the early stages of her career.

Now an instructor at the Keiser University Golf Coaching Center, Rivera works with a wide range of students, from beginners discovering the game for the first time to players returning after years away. Her focus is not solely on competition. It is about helping people find joy and connection through golf.

Looking ahead, Rivera’s ambitions continue to grow. Her goal is to one day become a Director of Instruction and eventually open her own academy for Title I students, creating access for young players who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the game.

She also hopes others will follow a similar path through PGA WORKS.

“Don’t even think twice. Just do it,” Rivera says to those considering the fellowship. “It gives you exposure to everything the industry has to offer. It helped me find exactly where I wanted to be.”

From a college student unsure of her direction to a newly minted PGA Professional, Rivera’s journey is a testament to the power of opportunity, mentorship, and representation. Through the PGA WORKS Fellowship, she did not just find a career in golf. She found a platform to help shape the game’s future.