Martha Rivas (she/her) is an accomplished author, academic scholar, educator, spoken-word theorist, poet, peleonera, and mother who unapologetically speaks truth to power as a link towards collective liberation. Born in Zamora, Michoacán, Mexico, she was raised as an undocumented child in Indio, CA, who is a first-generation academic scholar, holding four degrees from UCLA, including a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in critical race theory.  As a formally-trained critical race theorist, she brings a critical discourse to various sectors serving historically marginalized communities. 

Dr. Rivas holds over 15-years of federal compliance and nonprofit executive leadershipexperience, having led efforts securing over $500 million dollars to the greater Los Angeles region. In the recent 5 years, she has intentionally engaged community members in Critical Pláticas (critical discussions), where she addresses white supremacy, systemic oppression, and the resilience of marginalized folks to collectively, decolonize their practices to hone into their intuitive and ancestral knowledge.

Ph.D., Education – race and ethnic studies, critical race theorist – UCLA

M.A., Education – race and ethnic studies, critical race theorist – UCLA

B.A.,Comparative Literature – Chicana Literature, specialization – UCLA

B.A.,Chicana/o Studies – education reform, specialization – UCLA