Noraima Rivera Rivas grew up in Puerto Rico, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertising and built a strong career in retail management. When she later moved to Amsterdam, she brought with her a deep work ethic and a desire to build a new life, but she knew she needed stronger English skills to unlock better career opportunities.
When she first arrived in New York, she admits the transition was not easy. 
“The biggest challenge of arriving in a new country with limited English was communication, especially in critical situations like my cancer care and my daughter’s healthcare,” said Rivera Rivas. “Everyday tasks, from scheduling appointments to interacting with schools, felt overwhelming and isolating.”
Noraima eventually enrolled in the Amsterdam Literacy Zone’s ‘English as a Second Language’ program, studying with teacher Lauren Dinar. As her confidence and language skills grew, so did her opportunities. She was soon hired by the Adult Literacy program at HFM BOCES as a teacher aide, and through additional training, advanced to the role of case manager. In this role, she now guides other bilingual adults as they work to improve their English, prepare for the GED exam, and develop workforce skills, including participation in programs such as the Teacher Aide Training Program.
“The most rewarding part of supporting bilingual adults on journeys similar to my own is seeing their confidence grow and knowing I can serve them with empathy and compassion. I make sure they know they are not alone and that someone believes in them as they move forward,” says Rivera Rivas.
Noraima’s determination and success soon earned statewide recognition. Just a few years ago, the New York Association for Continuing and Community Education (NYACCE) honored her as one of their Outstanding Adult Learners, an award given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional perseverance and achievement in their educational journeys.
Recently, her story reached an even larger audience. In January, Noraima and a group of adult learners from around the state were invited by the NYACCE to speak before the New York State Board of Regents which also included New York State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Betty A. Rosa.
Sharing her personal journey, she described the challenges of arriving in a new country with limited English and the impact of adult education programs like those at HFM BOCES. Her testimony highlighted how access to adult education opens doors to employment, civic engagement, and family stability.
“Adult education transforms lives,” Rivera Rivas stated. “These programs help adult learners gain skills, workforce preparation, and confidence, impacting not only their own lives, but their families and future generations.”
Congratulations to Noraima on this well-deserved honor.
For more information on the next teacher aide training program for bilingual/bicultural individuals or to register for classes, contact Jarenny Sierra at jsierra@hfmboces.org or call 518-212-6120.
