Meet Patricia Rillera | Avant-Garde Executive

We had the good fortune of connecting with Patricia Rillera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patricia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always believed I would be happier creating my own destiny through entrepreneurial endeavors rather than working for someone else. Further, all my significant family members, as a child, were entrepreneurs so I rarely saw family members work for others. Those factors combined created my thought process behind starting a business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Currently, I am the State Executive Director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). I oversee all MADD operations for the state of California. Lessons learned are to take ques from the universal and let the natural processes unfold organically. I started my career working in corporate America, transitioned to entrepreneurial ship and I have now landed leading a national non-profit organization.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think most folks come to California for the ocean and weather. So, I would start the week with breakfast at the beach, followed by a scenic hike. Later, we would grab 9-holes of golf someplace and end the evening at the Hollywood Bowl. I think SoCal is a great place for people watching because we have such an eclectic demographic.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my mother, Earnice Jones. A strong, independent woman by circumstance and a deeply kind, and moral soul.

Website: www.madd.org/california

Instagram: @maddcalifornia

Linkedin: Patricia Rillera

Facebook: #@onemaddcalifornia

Image Credits
MADD California