Hecho With Corazón Profiles No. 3 — Maribel Rivera

The Hecho With Corazón™ Profiles recognizes those who inspire us and exemplify the best of Latino culture. These are real people who put their heart into everything they do.

We celebrate them by sharing their answers to three thought-provoking questions.

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Maribel Rivera is an educator, leader and social justice advocate. She has served the Chicago Public School as a bilingual teacher, coach, assistant principal and dual language specialist for over two decades. Maribel works for the Office of Language and Cultural Education and supports over 18,000 students from Network 8 schools in Brighton Park,Gage Park, Back of the Yards neighborhoods. She supports principals, teachers, students and parents to ensure students receiving quality instruction through bilingual and dual language education programs. She also coaches and mentors teachers. Maribel holds multiple degrees in bilingual education, school leadership and dual language education. She is an expert in bilingual program design and provides professional development locally and nationally. Maribel is a lifelong Chicagoan and proud of her Mexican American heritage and of being a Chicago Public School graduate.

WHAT DRIVES YOU TO GET OUT OF BED AND DO WHAT YOU DO EVERY MORNING?

My greatest passion in life is a tapestry of language, culture and teaching. Serving kids is my WHY in life. Being an educator is a great privilege that carries great commitment and responsibility. I get up every morning excited to visit classrooms and support teachers to be the best they can be. I want to ensure that classrooms are places where kids are nurtured and where they feel a sense of purpose, belonging, acceptance and safety. I envision classrooms where kids have a voice and where their agency and identity are reflected in lessons.

WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOUR TRUE PASSION AND PURPOSE?

I knew I was born to be an educator at a young age. I am the oldest of two sisters and lots of cousins and remember playing school and always being the teacher. My parents bought me a set of old-fashioned wooden desks and a chalkboard when I was about 10 and it sealed the deal! My purpose is to create amazing schools where every child finds success.

WHAT IS YOUR HOPE FOR THE NEXT LATINO GENERATION?

My hope for the next Latino generation is to see bilingualism as a plus. I would like to see every high school student graduating high school with the State Seal of Bilingualism and entering college or career in fields such as  government, law, medicine, education and science being bilingual and biliterate. 

Thank you Maribel for sharing your amazing story with us. You are #hechowithcorazon