Dr. Amaris Rivas is a proud Latina educator, district administrator, and scholar dedicated to transforming public education through equity-driven, culturally responsive leadership. With over 24 years of service in education—including roles as a middle school teacher, bilingual coordinator, Access to Core Instructional Coach, assistant principal, principal, and now district administrator—Dr. Rivas brings a wealth of experience in advancing inclusive practices and student-centered systems within urban public schools.
Currently serving in the Lawndale Elementary School District, Dr. Rivas leads with compassion, purpose, and a deep belief in the potential of every student. As principal, she proudly led her school to be recognized as a California Distinguished School in 2024 for making remarkable gains in closing the achievement gap for marginalized students. Under her leadership, the school experienced significant improvements in academic performance, inclusive practices, and family engagement.
Dr. Rivas earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Social Justice from Loyola Marymount University. Her dissertation, Empowering Education: Unveiling the Strategies of Latina Elementary Principals in Cultivating Culturally Responsive Learning Environments, uplifts the counterstories of Latina school leaders and explores how cultural heritage, community values, and spiritual activism shape transformative leadership.
A proud Puerto Rican daughter and mother of two, Dr. Rivas is grounded in ancestral wisdom, cultural pride, and a commitment to advocate for future generations of Latina leaders. She envisions schools as spaces of liberation where students are seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.
