Nikki Rivera is not a politician. Rivera is a person, a human being who chooses - and has been chosen - to practice politics.

She is not defined by what she does. What she does and how she does it is defined by her.

"I think I'm the same person (I was before I was elected)," said Rivera. "I think life experiences are such a great educator. Every life experience, good or bad, helps build character. I'm still the same person I was, but I have more resources. I think I have an amplified respect for all the organizations we have in our area who collaborate well. Every day, I meet so many brilliant people. I love finding and seeing all the ways people can be successful."

Rivera, a 53-year-old resident of Manheim Township, is one of 203 house representatives in the state of Pennsylvania. She represents 64,000 citizens who reside in the state's 96th legislative district, which includes the entirety of Manheim Township, northern portions of the city of Lancaster and East Petersburg Borough.

Rivera was elected in 2024 and is currently serving a two-year term in the state House of Representatives that will expire in 2027.

"I represent a whole range of residents who need great education, who need wages to support themselves and their families," said Rivera. "They are people with disabilities; people who need resources for mental health and physical health. They are small business owners. They are educators. They are farmers. We have so much in common when it comes to living well in central Pennsylvania."

While her responsibilities vary, Rivera's schedule revolves around the 75 to 90 posted days each year during which the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is in session in Harrisburg. The budget days in May and June can be especially taxing.

Rivera also serves on seven Pennsylvania House of Representatives committees: Aging and Older Adults; Human Services; Environment and Natural Resources; Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development; Communications and Technology; Internal Government Affairs and Operations; and the Chesapeake Bay.

Rivera is supported by a legislative assistant in Harrisburg, and she maintains a District 96 office at 1560 Lititz Pike, Suite 2, Lancaster, which is staffed by a district office manager and two constituent service advisers.

"My job is to get to know the people, the organizations and the needs of House District 96," said Rivera. "I spend my days going to events and people's homes where I can help legislate laws that will make life easier for citizens who reside in Pennsylvania. I love the job because I love learning. I did a whole lot of advocacy for my passion in the past, and now it's my full-time job."

"I work a lot; I work often," continued Rivera. "I probably need to accept better boundaries for myself. The wheels are always spinning in my brain. Even when I'm not in my office, I'm thinking. I try to disconnect, but it's really hard because there are so many things to fight for and advocate for."

Before being elected, Rivera served on the Manheim Township school board for eight years. She also taught Spanish at Warwick High School from 1995 to 2024.

"Public education is a huge part of what happens at state-level politics," said Rivera. "I approached the job knowing I can learn and that I'm a good listener. That's how I got here. I didn't know this job, but I did know teaching. I started attending state-level things, I started asking questions and stretching myself. I knew what a state representative did before I was elected. I made sure I did my homework on what my job entailed."

Before accepting her Spanish teaching position at Warwick, Rivera graduated from Carlisle High School in 1990 and the University of Pittsburgh in 1994.

"I have found that embracing learning and the understanding of people has really enriched my life, beyond measure," said Rivera. "We're all capable of more than we think we are. I was a very shy and introverted young girl, and I think because of saying yes to life experiences, I've grown into a confident woman who can participate in state government."