Her Story
About Kori
Kori Rider is an education professional with 22 years of experience. She serves as owner-director of her academy in Summerland, California. Her career began with writing grants for the UNDP in Honduras to support education for non-Spanish-speaking residents and school accreditation efforts. After returning to the United States due to family circumstances, she substituted in classrooms and taught math and Spanish, later taking a full-time role teaching high school English, math in Spanish, and Spanish. She majored in finance. Rider transitioned to one-on-one tutoring and founded an organization in Nicaragua to assist women facing financial hardship with jobs and microloans. She later taught Spanish at a school in Montecito before opening her own academy, which offers a flexible three-hour daily schedule four days a week to reduce student stress. She speaks Spanish and emphasizes integrity, respect, and transparency in her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kori
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think it's just doing right in all moments. Success is bred from there. You don't cut corners, no lying, no cheating, be fully transparent in all things that you do, and have solid amazing relationships with people.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
This too shall pass. And let your employees feel seen. An old boss rewarded hard work by saying the waves are huge, get out there, don't come to work today.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't forget why you got into it, and stay focused on the kids, stay focused on your ability to make changes based on being able to have an influence on families' lives and kids' lives. Stay focused on why you got into this.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is getting people to step out and go against the grain. Parents are wired to follow what their friends are doing, as to not let their kid fall behind. Getting people on board with education can look different.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is everything. Respect is our number one rule: respect yourself, respect others, and respect the space around you. Doing unto others as you would have them do to you. Take the high road whenever given the opportunity.
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