Barela Rivera is the owner and president of PBR Solutions, a Denver-based consulting firm. She previously spent 11 years as the director of the Colorado District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Her leadership experience also includes directing citizen advocacy and outreach in the governor’s office from 1994-97, being appointed by the governor as deputy director for the State of Colorado Department of Local Affairs from 1991-to 94, and serving on over 60 community and organization boards in Colorado during the past 35 years. Barela Rivera earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of New Mexico. Patricia is serving her second term on UNC's Board of Trustees and was reappointed by Governor Polis to serve through December 2024.