Dr. Erica Buchanan-Rivera has served in education as a teacher, principal, diversity trainer, director of curriculum, and adjunct professor. During her time as a principal in Lawrence Township, she was recognized as an Administrator of the Year award recipient, and her international school was nationally recognized as a Magnet School of Excellence under her leadership. Dr. Buchanan-Rivera was formerly the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer in Hamilton Southeastern Schools, the first DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) role in a Hamilton County school district. She is currently the Director of Equity and Inclusion at Washington Township Schools. Dr. Buchanan-Rivera completed her doctoral degree from Indiana State University in 2017. Her scholarship is centered on identity-affirming environments and antiracist pedagogy.  She has published award-winning educational articles and her work continues to be in a national spotlight while featured in numerous podcasts, panels, and keynote presentations. Dr. Buchanan-Rivera has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Indianapolis and her alma mater, Butler University where she received the College of Education Distinguished Alumni Award in 2020. She teaches undergraduate courses that focus on educational equity and critical race theory. Dr. Buchanan-Rivera believes that all students deserve a classroom environment that values their authenticity.