I was born right here on St. Croix, September 8, 1964 to Francisco and Diana Rivera. I’m a proud student of St. Croix Central High School and the University of the Virgin Islands. I continued my education at the University of Phoenix, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Business Management and Finance. I’ve got a background in human resources and over 15 years of experience as a paralegal, which means I know how to dig through the paperwork, find the facts, and call out the BS. That’s what I do best, and I want to do it again for YOU.

I Know the System—And I’m Not Afraid to Call It Out

When I was elected to the 15th VI Board of Education, I went right to work pushing for Single Gender Education to help our kids succeed in a focused environment. When I was elected as your senator in 2008, I stepped in as the only woman in the Legislature and spent the next 10 years working relentlessly on financial transparency, wasteful spending, and holding agencies accountable. I’m proud of the work I did—and I’m hungry to do more.

Why Am I Running Again?

Because too many politicians in office get comfortable and forget who they’re supposed to serve. Not me. I’ve always been blunt, direct, and ready to stand up, speak out and do something. I’m here to make sure every penny of our tax dollars is used wisely and that the people who are supposed to be working for you actually get the job done.

What Will I Do?

Here’s what you can expect when I’m back in the Senate:

• Watchdog Over Government Spending: I’ll fight tooth and nail to make sure no dollar is wasted. I’ve got a sharp eye for sniffing out waste, and I’ll call out every agency and department that’s not delivering on its promises.
• Better Education for Our Kids: I’m going to push for funding that actually gets into classrooms, not just administrative pockets. Our kids deserve the best shot at success, and I’ll make sure they get it.
• Real Economic Opportunities: St. Croix has the potential to be an economic leader. I’ll make sure we attract businesses that create good jobs—real jobs with benefits—and that our people are the first ones hired.
• Healthcare Access That Works: It’s time to get serious about healthcare. We need better facilities, more doctors, and options that don’t require jumping through hoops.

I Don’t Make Empty Promises

You know me—I say what I mean, and I follow through. I’ve been married to my husband, John, for 23 years, and we’ve raised two sons right here on St. Croix. This isn’t just where I work. This is where I live, where I’m raising my family, and where I want to see real change happen.

I’m not running to sit quietly in meetings and nod along. I’m running to speak up, stand up, and fight for St. Croix. If you want someone who will ask tough questions, demand real answers, and shake things up, then write in NELLIE on Nov 5th.

Let’s get back to business. Let’s get back to holding people accountable. Let’s get back to making St. Croix the best it can be.

St. Croix Deserves Better.

I'm asking you to write me in Nov 5th so I can get back to working for you.

— Nellie