Naomi Lara was born and raised in Southern California and is proud to be shaped by her diverse experiences growing up in Compton, Lake Los Angeles and Cerritos, CA. Naomi earned her Bachelor’s degree at Cal State Long Beach and her Teaching Credential at Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Naomi began her journey in the field of education in 2008 as a teacher in an independent study charter school whose mission was to serve students who needed an alternative model of education to thrive. Naomi became a fierce advocate for students and understood the extreme need for alternative pathways. Naomi returned to CSUDH to earn her Administrative Credential and Master of Arts in School Leadership and has humbly served as Assistant Principal in independent study school resource centers in North Long Beach, South Los Angeles, Inglewood and Gardena.

Naomi was extremely inspired by the mission and vision of RISE High and its revolutionary goal of working alongside students and stakeholders to reimagine high school and develop a truly student-centered learning environment.

Outside of school, Naomi loves spending time with her husband and their three fur babies, going to Clipper games, gardening her succulent collection and working on DIY projects.