Diana Rivas Smith Bio

Diana brings more than 12 years of nonprofit experience spanning fundraising, volunteer management, donor relations, and stewardship in both the personal and corporate sector. Diana currently leads all the planned giving and individual giving efforts for The Dallas Opera.

Prior to joining The Dallas Opera, Diana served as Vice President of Development at the American Heart Association, leading a team supporting the largest gala in the country for the organization earning the honor of D CEO’s Most Successful Fundraising Campaign in 2022.

Diana’s nonprofit career started at the Dallas Regional Chamber where she worked with new and existing members, investors, and foundations to communicate the value of membership and oversaw the coordination of sponsorship opportunities for all events and programs. Prior to the Dallas Regional Chamber, Diana worked globally for an ultra-luxury cruise line, Seabourn. Her role as an Assistant Cruise Director was to provide white glove customer service and operate as the guest relations ambassador, interacting with guests from around the world. She led a multicultural team to provide the best customer service and a 5-star experience.

Diana holds a master’s degree in Public Affairs from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a Vocal Performance degree from the University of Houston. Diana studied classically as a Mezzo-soprano from the age of 15 and has performed all over the world prior to finding her passion for nonprofit. 

She holds a certification through McKinsey’s Hispanic and Latino Executive Leadership program. Diana also holds a nonprofit certification from the Institute of Organizational Management through the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation. An advocate for Diversity and Inclusion in 2020, Diana was 1 of 10 individuals chosen to serve in a Leadership in Diversity cohort to discuss DEI best practices, talent pipeline and challenges in the nonprofit industry through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).

Diana resides in South Dallas (Oak Cliff) with her husband Charl and enjoys time with her family including her 6-year-old daughter, Daniella, and 2 pugs, Simba, and Nala. They love to travel and find new places to visit and explore as a family. Diana enjoys Formula 1 Racing and was fortunate to have seen the Monaco Grand Prix a few times in person.