Born and raised in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood, Carlos Rivas knows firsthand the power of public education.

The son of a single mother who immigrated from Mexico, Carlos attended Chicago Public Schools and built a career dedicated to serving young people, families, and neighborhoods across the city.

Before being elected to the Chicago Board of Education, Carlos worked as a CPS teacher, school counselor, and youth advocate, helping students navigate academic, social, and personal challenges. Today, he serves as the Director of Public Affairs for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), where he leads community engagement and outreach efforts aimed at strengthening trust between city government and Chicago residents.

In 2024, Carlos was elected to represent District 3B on Chicago's first partially elected Board of Education, giving families a direct voice in decisions affecting their schools. Since taking office, he has been a strong advocate for neighborhood schools, student achievement, educator support, and transparent governance.

As the only openly gay member of the Chicago Board of Education, Carlos understands the importance of ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and represented. He has worked to elevate the voices of families, students, and educators while fighting for policies that create opportunity for all children.

Carlos is seeking re-election to continue bringing practical experience, community-centered leadership, and a deep commitment to Chicago's students to the Board of Education. He lives in Humboldt Park with his 8 year old pittie, Charlie, and has served as a transitional foster parent to unaccompanied children who cross the U.S.-Mexico border since 2023.

In addition to serving on the Chicago Board of Education, Carlos is a past board member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Association of School Boards, member of the State of Illinois’s R3 Program Board (Restore Reinvest Renew), and on the Board of Directors of Housing Choice Partners.