Laura Rivera

Leading Through Change: How You Show Up When It’s Hard

This session explores leadership during times of change, focusing on how leaders show up during challenging moments. The presentation introduces a framework built around clarity, consistency, and courage, with discussion and practical application throughout.

Laura Rivera is a corrections executive with more than 24 years of experience in public safety and detention operations. She currently serves as a Deputy Director with the Alachua County Jail, providing executive leadership in strategic planning, organizational development, operational excellence, and the delivery of safe, secure, and professional correctional services.

 Throughout her career, Laura has led complex organizational initiatives, managed high-performing teams, and championed continuous improvement in correctional operations. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to professional excellence, and ability to lead organizations through change.

 Laura holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida. She is a graduate of the Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program, the National Jail Leadership Command Academy, the FDLE Leadership Academy, and the Certified Corrections Manager Program.

 In addition to her operational leadership, Laura has served for more than a decade as a Florida Model Jail Inspector and currently serves as an assessor for the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission.

 As a CPM graduate, Laura is passionate about developing leaders who lead with integrity, resilience, and purpose. She believes that leadership is less about position and more about how you show up when things get hard.