Media Advisory: AISD Hosts TEDx Speaker at Eastside Memorial Tonight

Roberto Rivera shares transformation of how he went from dope dealer to hope dealer

AUSTIN, Texas鈥擱oberto Rivera, an award winning artist, educator and change agent is visiting Eastside Memorial High School this evening. He specializes in applying best practices in engaging youth. The event is free and open to the public.

What: Roberto鈥檚 presentations incorporates his own story of transforming from a dope dealer to a hope dealer working with communities around the nation while using scientific-based research. His unique ability to transition easily from sharing research and data to stories and poems leaves audiences standing with enlightened minds and moved hearts.

When: 6:30鈥8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29

Where: Eastside Memorial High School, Performing Arts Center, 1012 Arthur Stiles Road

Background: Roberto Rivera is the president and lead change agent of The Good Life Organization. The group publishes multi-media educational tools and trains educators, youth workers and parents in connecting positive youth development to community development. Roberto Rivera received his undergraduate degree at UW-Madison where he created his own major entitled 鈥淪ocial Change, Youth Culture and the Arts.鈥 He received his masters degree at University of Illinois in Youth Development with a focus on social justice, urban education and hip-hop. His experience in working in the field of community-based popular education over the last decade have won him awards from former president Bill Clinton and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin.