As Pattern Energy’s Tribal Engagement Manager on the External Affairs team—and an enrolled Tribal Member from Pojoaque Pueblo—PoQueen Rivera is helping shape a more inclusive and collaborative approach to energy development.
“I try to break up my time between internal work, external outreach, and getting into the field,” she says of her role. Because it’s a newer position at Pattern, she’s had a decisive hand in how the role looks. “I’ve appreciated the space to approach it creatively and make it my own.”
A Grounded Start
PoQueen’s work is rooted in lived experience. Her interest in Tribal affairs began early, shaped by a family deeply involved in Tribal governance and advocacy.
“Growing up, my family was very active in Tribal politics—at the local, state, and federal levels. A lot of our dinner conversations were about community, policy, and advocacy. That naturally shaped the career path I chose.”
That grounding continues to influence how she approaches her work at Pattern, where she’s focused on fostering respectful, long-term relationships with Tribal Nation.
“Tribal engagement isn’t about checking a box,” she says. “It’s about showing up consistently, listening with intention, and doing the work to build trust.”
A Culture of Collaboration
Since joining Pattern, PoQueen has found a workplace that encourages collaboration, and welcomes new ideas.
“I appreciate the culture here,” she says. “People are kind, open, and easy to work with. There’s also a lot of trust and room to be creative, which I value.”
That creative and grounded approach is essential—especially when her work takes her across the country to meet with Tribal Nations.
“I’ve taken quite a few trips to visit different Tribes across the country,” she says. “It’s always a unique experience to be welcomed onto Tribal lands and learn what matters most to that particular Tribal Nation. Every visit is unique, and I always come away feeling more grounded and motivated to move the needle forward.”
A Creative Spirit
Creativity shows up not only in her approach to engagement—but in her life outside of work, too.
“I used to do a lot of ceramics,” she says. “I was really into wheel throwing when I was younger and considered pursuing it professionally.”
Though she has since found meaningful work in Tribal engagement, her love of ceramics never left. Recently, she completed a series of classes focused on traditional Pueblo pottery techniques, reconnecting her artistic side with her cultural roots.
“It’s been really fun to get back into it,” she says. “There’s something really meditative and meaningful about using your hands to create.”
Ceramics isn’t her only hands-on passion. In her downtime, PoQueen also loves to cook—and is on a personal mission to perfect her homemade corn and flour tortillas.
“I’ve been experimenting a lot,” she says. “It’s a work in progress, but it’s getting there.”
Whether she’s shaping clay or flipping tortillas, PoQueen brings intention and joy to the process. If you ask anyone who knows her, there’s no doubt she brings plenty of strength, heart, and originality to her role—and to the broader effort of building stronger relationships between energy and Tribal communities.
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