From humble beginnings in service projects to leading one of Harlingen’s most active civic organizations, Victor Rivera’s Rotary journey is rooted in action, compassion, and purpose. As the new club president, Victor brings his deep nonprofit experience and a bold vision to strengthen the club’s impact in the year ahead.
Victor Rivera
President, Rotary Club of Harlingen 2025–2026
Victor Rivera proudly serves as President of the Rotary Club of Harlingen for the 2025–26 Rotary year. His journey in Rotary began in 2021 when he stepped into the role of Service Projects Chair—channeling his longstanding commitment to community impact into action. Since then, he has served as Sergeant at Arms, Club Administrator/President Nominee, and most recently as President-Elect. Now, as President, Victor brings a vision grounded in hands-on leadership, service-driven collaboration, and a deep respect for Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self.
In his professional life, Victor is the Executive Director of Loaves and Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley, a nonprofit that provides shelter, food, job training, and comprehensive support services to individuals and families facing homelessness and hunger in Harlingen and Raymondville, TX. His decades of leadership in nonprofit work—beginning with the Brownsville Literacy Center and later at United Way of Southern Cameron County—have given him a powerful perspective on what sustainable, community-centered service truly looks like.
In 2024, Victor was elected to the Board of Directors for the Texas Homeless Network (THN), further amplifying his voice as an advocate for the underserved across Texas. His experience in outreach, organizational development, and systems-level strategy complements his Rotary leadership, where he’s committed to driving meaningful change—locally and beyond.
A native of California and lifelong Texan, Victor holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Brownsville (now UTRGV) and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. He lives in Harlingen with his wife Miriam, an educator, and their two children, Victoria and Lucas.
Whether leading at Loaves and Fishes, serving on the THN board, or guiding the Rotary Club of Harlingen, Victor remains grounded in the belief that real leadership is about empowering others—and that no act of service is ever too small to make a difference.
President’s Message
Victor Rivera, President 2025–26
Rotary Club of Harlingen
Fellow Rotarians,
It is an incredible honor to serve as your President for the 2025–26 Rotary year.
When I joined Rotary in 2021, I was looking for a way to connect service with purpose. I found that—and much more. What started as a role leading Service Projects became a journey through club leadership that opened my eyes to the powerful engine of change Rotary can be when it's driven by people with heart and integrity.
As we enter this new year together, I want to challenge us to think boldly, act intentionally, and serve personally. My theme for this year is simple: Make Service Personal. Let's focus on projects that matter. Let’s build relationships before checklists. Let’s ensure that when Rotary shows up, our community knows we’re listening and that we’re here for the long haul.
My background at Loaves and Fishes has taught me that the most powerful service doesn’t always come from big budgets or major headlines, it comes from consistent presence, deep compassion, and a willingness to ask, “What can I do?” That’s the energy I hope to bring to this presidency, and the spirit I want us to carry forward as a club.
We have incredible talent in this room, a strong legacy to build on, and a growing community that needs us. So let’s put our hands to the work. Let’s serve with joy, lead with humility, and make this year one where Rotary’s impact is felt deeply in Harlingen and beyond.
Thank you for your trust, your commitment, and your service.
Victor Rivera
President 2025–2026
Rotary Club of Harlingen