Danielle Ross
Danielle Ross currently serves as director of traditional programming at Communities In Schools, Dallas Region, where she impacts students across the DFW metroplex.
In addition to her work in schools, she co-founded Education PowerED, with the mission to generate culturally responsive solutions and resources to end education inequity for students of color. Most recently, she co-authored “Culture to the Max,” a resource book that supports teachers in effectively implementing responsive strategies in the classroom.
Ross began her career in 2016 with Teach For America, where she taught sixth and seventh grade reading and writing at Billy Earl Dade Middle School in South Dallas. She served as assistant principal of culture at KIPP Destiny Middle School in Oak Cliff for six years.
Muñeca Torres-Rivera
Muñeca Torres-Rivera is executive assistant to the president at Dallas College Mountain View Campus and has over a decade of experience in higher education, nonprofit and private sectors.
A proud Puerto Rican and professional musician, Torres-Rivera integrates her passion for collaboration, student success and community engagement into her leadership role. She is committed to personal and professional growth, fostering strong partnerships and advocating for students and colleagues.
Recognized with the Dallas College Admin Honors Administrative Director's Excellence Honor and a participant in the Mujeres de HACE Women’s Leadership Program, her work reflects dedication to excellence, problem-solving and impactful change.
Nia Cottonham
Nia Cottonham, a native of DeSoto, is a passionate leader, wife and mother dedicated to championing the success of students by providing resources and opportunities that foster growth and achievement. She is deeply committed to empowering youth to reach their full potential.
Alongside her husband, Cottonham is building a transformative e-commerce and leadership development venture, merging entrepreneurial innovation with meaningful mentorship to inspire future leaders.
She began her career in 2016 through Teach For America, serving as an English language arts middle school educator in Dallas ISD. Since transitioning out of the classroom in 2021, Cottonham has continued to make a difference by supporting students and families through her work in nonprofit leadership.