Mark Travis Rivera

Mark Travis Rivera is an award-winning creative entrepreneur, speaker, writer and choreographer whose work centres on amplifying marginalised voices and fostering authentic inclusion. As a proud Puerto Rican queer man living with cerebral palsy, Mark brings lived experience that cuts through rhetoric and connects deeply with audiences who seek real change. He founded and leads The Professional Storyteller, using narrative and artistry to challenge stereotypes and build belonging in environments across the arts, education, corporate and community sectors.

He holds a BA in Women’s and Gender Studies with a minor in Public Relations from William Paterson University. Early in his journey, he founded the Market Dance Project, one of the United States’ first integrated dance companies, bringing together disabled and non-disabled dancers. He made history as the first physically disabled Latinx choreographer selected for Ballet Hispanico’s Instituto Coreografico program. Alongside his artistic work, Mark has held significant roles in communications, marketing, DEI consulting and storytelling leadership, including his consultancy with creative agencies and his work as a senior consultant for Unlock Creative.

Mark has been honoured with several awards recognising his activism and impact, including Campus Pride’s National Voice and Action Award for Social Justice and the Lavender Legacy Award. He authored “Draft: An Imperfect Collection of Writing” and contributed to major anthologies, media outlets and non-profit publications. He is also a sought-after speaker, having delivered talks and keynotes at prestigious institutions including Harvard, MIT, NYU and Rutgers. His TEDx talk “Embracing Yourself, Embracing Your Potential” showcases his ability to inspire self-acceptance as a core value.

What makes Mark such a powerful BAME speaker is the intersectionality of his identity and his ability to translate personal challenges into collective insight. He combines his artistic creativity, academic knowledge and strategic communication to deliver talks that address race, disability, gender, sexuality and inclusion not as separate issues but as inseparable dimensions of human experience. His storytelling is infused with warmth, clarity and humour, allowing audiences to feel seen and understood while being challenged to act. Whether speaking to organisations, universities or creative communities, Mark leaves people with not just awareness but actionable tools and courage to transform culture.