
Leadership is not just about setting direction, it’s about creating environments where people can thrive. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate Abby Rivera, principal at Wickersham Elementary School, for her recent appearance on The Behaviorist podcast by Work Wisdom, where she shared her insights on what it means to lead with authenticity.
Abby’s voice is a timely and necessary one. On the episode titled “Authentic Leadership,” Abby joins Work Wisdom’s Sarah Colantonio for a meaningful conversation about the power of showing up as your whole self in leadership roles. Together, they explore how authenticity isn’t about oversharing or always being comfortable, it’s about building trust, embracing vulnerability, and leading with integrity.
Abby’s leadership style at Wickersham is a reflection of the values we hold dear at SDoL, trust, transparency, and relationships at the center of everything. As she shares on the podcast, leading authentically means knowing your values, being consistent in your actions, and creating a culture where others feel safe to do the same. It’s the kind of leadership that doesn’t just inspire, it sustains.
Work Wisdom, known for its focus on positive organizational behavior, offers practical, research-backed tools to help individuals and teams grow into the best version of themselves. Abby’s participation in this conversation continues to position SDoL as a district that not only values strong leadership, but is actively shaping what it looks like in practice.
We’re grateful for leaders like Abby Rivera who are helping redefine what it means to lead in today’s schools with heart, humility, and a clear sense of purpose. We encourage our staff and community to listen to the episode and reflect on how authentic leadership can strengthen our work and deepen our impact.
Way to go Abby!