The Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce represents the local business community, and Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) has leveraged their relationship with the Chamber to benefit students and alumni. Students get the opportunity to engage C-suite executives, and businesses can rely on PBA for some of the best trained graduates to fulfill their workforce needs.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the chamber itself has recruited PBA graduates. Gaby Portillo is the Director of Communications and Marketing, and Kiana Rivera is the Vice President of Program Development and Membership at the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce. They were both excited to share how this partnership has come full circle for them. The two spoke about the chamber’s evolving relationship with PBA and how their undergraduate experience prepared them for their roles today.
Portillo, who graduated in 2023 with her B.S. in Psychology, was introduced to the chamber at a PBA career fair during her junior year, and shortly after she became an intern for them. Following graduation, Portillo began working at the chamber full-time. She credits much of her success to the encouragement and support from her professors and the opportunities provided to her at PBA.
“PBA challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, and the professors pushed me to try out new experiences,” Portillo said. “The community was very encouraging, and there were so many resources available to me. If I hadn’t gone to that career fair, I don’t know if I would have ever discovered the chamber.”
Rivera, growing up in Jupiter, Florida, graduated in 2017 with her B.S. in Public Relations and Communication, and she began volunteering with the chamber’s Palm Beach Young Professionals (PBYP) in 2020 as their Social Media Coordinator. She also volunteered as an Ambassador. In 2022, Rivera became the Vice President of Membership, and now, as Vice President of Program Development and Membership, she oversees all Business, Non-Profit and Trustee members. She plays a pivotal role in executing networking events as well as breakfast programming, trustee initiatives, educational seminars through the Chamber’s councils, and more. These opportunities create growth not only for the businesses, but also the team members.
The Palm Beach Chamber’s Role in Connecting the Community
Both Portillo and Rivera emphasize the value of engagement with the chamber for local businesses, and also for students.
“Aside from our incredible networking opportunities, the chamber gets you in front of speakers that you don’t normally have access to on a day-to-day basis,” Rivera explained. “If you are looking for a job change, or even if you are trying to excel in your career, you not only need networking opportunities to help you do that, but you also need to constantly have a state of mind of learning. Whether you are in an entry level position straight out of school or a seasoned CEO, there are always opportunities to learn and better yourself as not only a person, but also as a leader.”
The chamber also oversees the PBYP, whose mission is to “enhance the exposure, opportunity and impact of young, career minded individuals living or working in Palm Beach through social, civic and professional participation,” according to the chamber’s website. PBYP offers monthly socials, educational opportunities and participation of community outreach activities for individuals in the 21-40 age group, allowing them to connect, enrich and empower each other. PBA students benefit from these resources, making it easier for them to integrate into the workforce seamlessly.
“In the future, we aspire to be able to continue to provide a resource to PBA students, so they can become affiliated with the community and help them navigate life after graduation,” Portillo said. “We are working on specific programs that cater to PBA students as PBA is one of the leading universities in West Palm Beach.”
PBA’s Premier Location
As PBA continues to grow, its location is a premier attraction for students. Located right across the street from what many are terming “Wall Street South,” students are met with endless networking and internship opportunities from businesses. The chamber has been a beneficial partner for PBA and has helped students get involved and acclimate to life outside of their undergraduate experiences. To know we have two PBA graduates in pivotal roles in the Chamber further strengthens this relationship, highlighting the success and influence of our alumni.
To learn more about the chamber, visit www.palmbeachchamber.com. To learn more about PBA, visit www.pba.edu.
Photo: Gaby Portillo, Kiana Rivera
