Ms. Daisy Rivera was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She is a product of the Dallas Independent School District, a proud graduate of North Dallas High School. Ms. Rivera is the eldest of four daughters raised by a single mother who immigrated to the United States for better opportunities. Ms. Rivera is a first-generation college graduate who received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Texas, where she majored in political science and criminal justice. She also holds a Master’s in Urban Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University.

Ms. Rivera has served thousands of students in her more than 12 years in public education. She began her career in elementary school, teaching bilingual math, science, and social studies. She was part of the Arthur Kramer Elementary team that started the first International Baccalaureate Programme in Dallas ISD. From there, she transitioned to teaching U.S. History and Mexican American Studies at her alma mater, North Dallas High School. During that time, Ms. Rivera was featured in “Dallas Teachers Speak,” a city-wide marketing campaign that recognized top teachers in the district. After her four years teaching high school social studies, Ms. Rivera became an assistant principal at Ben Milam Elementary School, and in 2023, she was promoted to assistant principal at W. H. Adamson High School, where she helped develop the IB Diploma Programme through candidacy and recruitment of staff and students for the first cohort.

Ms. Rivera strongly advocates for equitable opportunities for every student and the communities she serves. She is a passionate leader who finds fulfillment and motivation through connecting with, inspiring, and serving others.