Born in Puerto Rico, Natalie grew up around water in a family of traditional seafarers. She graduated from the Texas Maritime Academy at Texas A & M in 2001 and went on to serve over 15 years on various commercial vessels all over the world.  Having risen to the rank of Master-Unlimited, Captain Rivera devoted the latter part of her sea-going career to training and mentoring marine crews as a vessel compliance auditor and to the development of competency assessment systems. She is still sought after for speaking engagements and maritime regulatory committees on the topics of competency and licensing.

To bring balance to a life at sea, she would buy and sell homes while on land. Spearheading several extensive remodel efforts, she was able to apply her knowledge of engineering and mechanics from vessel accommodations to the residential property realm. What started as a pastime segued to a challenging and rewarding career on land. After meeting her husband on a chance trip to Santa Fe in 2009, she decided to settle down and make her home in the high desert with him and their dogs. She obtained a New Mexico Real Estate Broker License and started her career at Sotheby’s. In 2015, Natalie joined Barker Realty Family.

Natalie is fluent in Spanish and offers bilingual support to various local charities, loves to cook for friends, and enjoys the outdoors. She is dedicated to furthering the mission of the Museum of New Mexico Foundation, providing funding support for history and the arts as a Voting Trustee of the Board of Directors and Chair of their Business Council.  Having seen the world, managed international crews, and worked in high-stress environments, she enjoys the slower pace of life in Santa Fe, brings a balanced perspective and calm demeanor to real estate, and cherishes the opportunity to preserve the cultural richness of New Mexico through her philanthropic endeavors.