Meet the Executive Director

Dolores Williams Rivers has dedicated over 30 years of her life to education through her impactful work in the Memphis City and Shelby County Schools systems. Her career spanning roles as a teacher assistant, substitute teacher, and certified elementary school teacher has shaped countless lives and inspired generations of students.

Beyond the classroom, Dolores has been a tireless advocate for public education and educators' rights. Her longstanding involvement with the Memphis Shelby County Education Association (M-SCEA) includes leadership roles such as Association Representative, Public Relations Chair, and Elementary Director. In 2025, she transitioned into the role of Interim Executive Director of M-SCEA, further cementing her unwavering commitment to the profession. She lives by the Association’s guiding principle: “Supporting those who support our students.”

Her academic achievements include a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Union University, along with undergraduate studies at Southern University and the University of Memphis.

Dolores’s passion for service extends well beyond education. She is an active member of Centenary United Methodist Church, where she serves as Vice President of the United Methodist Women of Faith, sings in the church choir, and is a member of the Helen Longstreet Subgroup. Additionally, she serves on the Executive Committee for the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Black Methodist Church Renewal, and is active on its Advocacy Committee.

Her civic and professional affiliations are wide-reaching and impactful. Dolores is engaged with organizations such as the NAACP, Memphis Voter Alliance, and the Memphis and West Tennessee AFL-CIO Central Labor Council. She serves on the Kindergarten Advisory Committee for Brown Baptist Christian Academy, is the Education Chair for the Shelby County Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and sits on the Board of Directors for STEM Forward.

Dolores Williams Rivers demonstrates a deep commitment to community, equity, and empowerment. She lives by these words: "I do things you cannot, you do things I cannot. Together we do great things."