Meet Metropolis . . . Eileen Rivera, Project Management Wizard
This article continues our series on the men and women who make magic happen here at Metropolis Group. If you would like to recommend someone for a future employee spotlight, please email us with your nomination and let us know why you love working with this team member.
Eileen Rivera
Senior Project Manager
Metropolis Team Member Since . . . August 2009
Industry Experience
Eileen learned about the code consulting industry by chance while managing a chiropractic and physical therapy office. One of the patients, a property manager, suggested that she would be well suited for managing construction projects. She reached out to his service partner and soon changed careers. “I started by managing the day-to-day operations of the company,” she recalls. “From there, I wanted to learn how to read plans and how to file at the various agencies. There was so much to explore and learn that I transitioned to the project management side of the business.”
Five years later, in 2009, construction activity in New York City slowed, but Metropolis Group remained busy. In fact, the firm was hiring new talent, and Eileen joined the team. “It was a testament to how great this company is,” she says. “I loved all the work we were doing, and it was exciting to be associated with a name that was recognized throughout the industry.”
Role at Metropolis
Since joining Metropolis as a project coordinator, Eileen has continued to increase her industry expertise as she fills a variety of roles. She now serves on the Outer Borough team but continues to manage projects in Manhattan, while supporting Bruno Caligara, Director of Project Management. In addition, she’s helping to create a best practices guide to assist other project managers. “I make myself available to help if anyone needs assistance. At Metropolis, it’s about the team as a whole. We don’t work in a bubble, and I want to make sure that everyone is working together.”
“Eileen sets the standard for senior project managers here at Metropolis,” says Caligara. “Her dedication and work ethic are second to none.” She was recognized in 2014 with the Metropolis Employee of the Year Award.
Favorite Project
Eileen loves all the projects on which she’s worked, but the American Museum of Natural History holds a special place in her heart. “The intricacy of the museum campus alone made the project a great and challenging experience,” says Eileen, who has a long history with the historic institution. “When I was young, I used to take my sisters there every day during the summer, and I would teach them about a different section of the museum. We lived on the Upper West Side, so it was a quick walk.”
Best Part of the Job
While she enjoys helping developers through every phase of the construction journey, Eileen derives the greatest satisfaction from seeing the end product. “We begin with something that started as an idea in someone’s mind and turn it into an actual physical building that we can walk by. It’s cool to think, ‘I helped make that happen.’” Of course, this huge payoff represents countless hours, meetings, and emails over several years, but she considers the endeavor worthwhile. “I’ve been in the business a long time, and I’m not going anywhere. I love it.”
Little-Known Fact
In her free time, Eileen loves reading and the opportunity to visit a new place every time she picks up a book. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books are special favorites, and her extensive collection of Potter memorabilia includes horcruxes, the Hogwarts sorting hat, and even a mandrake plant. “The books remind me of childhood, when you think anything is possible and everything is magical,” says Eileen, who holds a bachelor’s degree in project management from Purdue University Global and look forwards to completing her MBA in the near future.