Gabrielle “Gabby” Rivero is running for Durham Board of Education to help our schools become places where every child can learn, heal, and thrive.

Gabby is a DPS parent of three, a foster parent, and the founder of Express & Release Therapeutic Dance—a Durham-based organization that uses movement to support emotional expression, stress relief, and whole-person well-being. Her work with children, families, and educators has shown her how deeply student success is connected to feeling safe, supported, and understood.

As a community leader with real experience in governance and budget oversight, Gabby believes strong schools require transparency and accountability. After recent financial failures in DPS, she is committed to asking hard questions, clearly communicating decisions, and ensuring families and school staff understand how resources are being used—and why. Trust is built when leadership listens, responds, and follows through.

Gabby brings a restorative, healing-centered approach to student mental health and school safety. She supports trauma-informed practices, expanded access to bilingual mental health services, and clear protections for immigrant students and families—so schools respond to student needs with care, not punishment.

She also knows that students do better when educators are supported. Gabby is a strong advocate for fair pay, humane working conditions, and dignity for teachers and classified staff—because caring for the adults in our schools is foundational to caring for kids.

Durham deserves school board leadership rooted in compassion, accountability, and community partnership. If you believe in public schools that center whole-child wellness and serve all families, please chip in today to help elect Gabby Rivero in District 3.