ABOUT
LISA RIVERA SMITH
Elected to a four-year term in the November 2019 General Election, Director Rivera Smith proudly represents District 2 on the Seattle School Board. She is committed to ensuring that every student in Seattle Public Schools has access to a quality education and that their voices are heard. Join Lisa in her mission to make a positive difference in our community.
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Originally from central California, Lisa attended California State University, Chico where she earned a Bachelors degree in Journalism (News Editorial), and a Minor in Ethics. While there, she served as an editor on the university’s award-winning newspaper, and when she graduated, she was awarded the CSU, Chico Presidential Medal for Contribution to Student Life.
Lisa came to Seattle in 2000 to become The Seattle Times’ inaugural 3-year Editorial Intern. While there, she joined fellow Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild union members from the Seattle Times and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer in a 49-day strike against both papers. She continues to be a strong labor and union supporter.
A mother of three, Lisa has dedicated countless hours to educational, environmental and political organizations. These have included:
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Hamilton International Middle School PTSA (President and VP of Communications)
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Lincoln High School PTSA (Founder and Co-President)
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46th District Democrats (Vice Chair)
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Stop the Sweeps - Community Hours
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Seattle Labor Chorus
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Girl Scouts of Western Washington – Woodland Park Day Camp
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Environment and Climate Caucus of the Washington State Democrats
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New Dawn Guatemala (Director)