MARISA ESTRADA RIVERA
AKA RITZY P
Emerging tech strategist and international speaker bridging the gap between where technology is going and who gets to shape it.
With 15+ years consulting across industries, from entertainment to enterprise, and stages from the U.N. General Assembly to Capitol Hill, she brings strategic depth, cultural fluency, and a passionate commitment to making sure the communities shaping the future reflect the ones most affected by it.
TRUSTED VOICE IN EMERGING TECH
Beyond client work, I am a recognized voice shaping the future of inclusive innovation:
Presented at the United Nations General Assembly Science Summit
Delegate and presenter at the 5th & 6th Congressional Briefing of Women of Color in Blockchain in Washington, DC
Co-author of Women in Web3: Inclusive Futures
Contributor to the Crypto Council for Innovation & W.K. Kellogg Foundation report, Building a More Equitable Web3
These platforms reflect my commitment to ensuring organizations and communities not only adopt emerging technologies, but do so in ways that expand access, empower people, and build sustainable futures.
GLOBAL STAGES & PRESTIGIOUS PLATFORMS
• U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY SCIENCE SUMMIT
• 5th CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING OF WOMEN OF COLOR ON BLOCKCHAIN
• VEECON
• BUTTERSCOTCH MEDIA PRE-DNC FIRE SIDE CHAT
• TIME MAGAZINE PIECES
• NFT.NYC
• TECH THE BLOCK
• FUTURISTA
• HUSTLE + SOCIALIZE
• WONDER WOMEN TECH
• YES MUJER, BUILD IT
• THE AMBIES
• BLACK WINGS HACKS
ABOUT
Marisa Estrada Rivera, aka Ritzy P, is an emerging tech strategist, consultant, and diversity advocate, and founder of Ritzy Periwinkle Consultancy — a practice built on 15+ years of cross-industry consulting experience, with five years focused on emerging tech: AI, blockchain, and the Spatial Web. She works with companies and organizations navigating the complexity of emerging technology, designing adoption strategies that are both forward-looking and human-centered.
She is also the founder of Zócalo, a multilingual platform currently in development that reimagines how emerging tech education reaches the communities who need it most — making it community-driven, culturally relevant, practical, and accessible to learners who have historically been locked out of these conversations.
Named one of Butterscotch Media's 2025 Web3 Changemakers to Watch, Marisa is an international speaker and recognized voice at the intersection of technology, equity, and policy. She has presented at the United Nations General Assembly Science Summit (78th and 79th
sessions), served as a delegate and presenter at the 5th and 6th Congressional Briefings of Women of Color in Blockchain in Washington, D.C., contributed to the Crypto Council for Innovation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation report, Building a More Equitable Web3, holds an AI Fluency: Frameworks and Foundations certification from Anthropic, and is a co-author of Women in Web3: Inclusive Futures, with proceeds supporting STEM scholarships for young women globally.
She hosts Word To Your Mama, a podcast that amplifies diverse voices — from Academy Award winners to emerging tech leaders — and co-hosts The Get Down: Beyond Bitcoin, which examines policy, market trends, and the impact of emerging tech on Black, Latine, and Indigenous communities.
As a first-generation Mexican American, she knows firsthand what it means to navigate systems not built for you. The throughline across all of it is simple: the people most affected by where technology is going should have real power in deciding how it gets built.
SPEAKER TOPICS
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As technology evolves, so should the people shaping it. I break down why equitable representation in AI, Web3, and other tech spaces isn’t just about fairness. It’s about innovation, access, and creating tools that actually serve everyone. I bring real-world examples, global stage experience, and a cultural lens to show how inclusion leads to better outcomes.
Takeaways:
Real ways to implement DEI in tech
Why inclusion drives innovation and adoption
How to spot gaps and build with everyone in mind
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In this talk, Ritzy Periwinkle breaks down what emerging tech really is, from AI and blockchain to the spatial web and beyond, in a way that’s clear, engaging, and accessible to non-tech audiences. She highlights how many marginalized communities are already interacting with these tools without realizing it and why their voices and leadership are essential in shaping the future. Ritzy shares powerful, real-world examples of underrepresented innovators using technology to solve problems, build wealth, and uplift their communities, stories often overlooked by mainstream media. Her goal is to inspire audiences to explore, participate, and even build with intention and safety.
Takeaways:
A clear and relatable definition of emerging technologies
Real-world use cases led by BIPOC, first-gen, and grassroots innovators
Why equitable participation in tech is urgent and transformative
Tools and tips for getting involved safely and with purpose
A renewed sense of curiosity and confidence to explore or create
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In a world driven by metrics and follower counts, Ritzy speaks about the deeper value of cultivating intentional communities. Drawing from her work across tech, culture, and social impact, she breaks down how aligned storytelling, consistency, and mission-led work build lasting connections that go beyond the screen.
Takeaways:
How to create mission-aligned engagement strategies
Tips for building partnerships rooted in shared values
The difference between audience growth and community impact
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Through her personal journey, Ritzy explores what it means to be a first-generation Mexicana moving through corporate spaces, creative industries, and entrepreneurship. She shares lessons learned from navigating systems not built for her and offers insight on staying rooted in culture while breaking new ground.
Takeaways:
Strategies for moving through bias and systemic challenges
How cultural identity can be a strength in professional spaces
Encouragement for first-gen professionals and creatives paving their own way
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Losing her mom at 20 shaped Ritzy’s perspective on work, family, and purpose. She speak on how grief helped her prioritize what matters, let go of hustle culture, and lead with heart. This talk is honest, vulnerable, and grounding.
Takeaways:
How to honor your capacity without guilt
Grief as a source of clarity and transformation
Redefining productivity around your values
WHAT THE PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY
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"Ritzy is an exceptional speaker who captivates her audience by making them feel integral to the shared journey. Her authenticity shines through as she seamlessly combines humor and poignant moments while sharing her lived experiences. Unapologetically herself, Ritzy is a powerful yet loving force, a disruptor yet relatable. Above all, she leaves the audience deeply moved, thoughtful, and feeling like they've had a unique experience."
Wendy Amara, Strategic Business Coach
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"Hearing Ritzy speak about the future of women of color in web 3 spaces has been an inspiration to me. Her ability to break down information in a way that energizes you and excites you for the possibilities is so invaluable to our community. We women are fortunate to have someone like her to be the spark for us all."
Maria Wren, Co-founder Smart Education, NASA Solar System Ambassador
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“Ritzy P is a natural public speaker. Whether as a podcast host, moderator at the United Nations, or panelist on Capitol Hill, she dominates the stage and simply captures the audience powerfully. Her style is reminiscent of Larry King and Oprah. She can effortlessly command a conversation and charm the audience with her captivating voice and gaze.”
Cleve Mesidor, Executive Director of Blockchain Foundation and CEO of butterscotch Media
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"Ritzy inspires me everyday. She is a passionate and knowledgeable speaker that left me energized and inspired. She provides a new context to life and has real life experiences that are invaluable to draw from. I would love to have more opportunities to see her speak again and to book her at future events I plan on hosting."
Steph Guerrero, web3 Music Consultant
THIS BOOK GIVES BACK
WOMEN IN THE WEB3 SPACE: INCLUSIVE FUTURES
Marisa aka Ritzy P is one of the 7 authors.
Featuring seven exclusive chapters from UNGA78 Speakers, this anthology dives into personal stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership that inspire action and hope for a more inclusive digital future.
Proceeds help fund STEM scholarships for young women globally.