Dr. Yadilette Rivera-Colón is the newly appointed Holyoke School Committee member for Ward 3. She will fill the seat vacated last month by Rebecca Birks, who moved from Holyoke.

Dr. Yadillette Rivera-Colón is originally from Puerto Rico. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, with a degree in natural sciences and biology, and obtained her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology in 2013 from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Biology and Research Coordinator of the Undergraduate Science Program at Bay Path University. She teaches biochemistry and biotechnology courses in the Residential College undergraduate program.

Additionally, Dr. Rivera-Colón is President of the Board of Directors for Girls Inc. of the Valley and is an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Dr. Rivera Colón said that this opportunity allows her to serve the youth of the city. In this conversation at the Holyoke Public Library, after the end of summer “Eureka! Showcase” by Girls Inc. of the Valley, Dr. RC shared with us the importance of this work with Girls Inc of the Valley, and her motivations to serve as member of the School Committee.