Her Story
About Riya
Riya Nathrani serves as an instructional technology coach in the Mariana Islands, where she has worked for four years after beginning her career as a classroom teacher. With a decade of experience in K-12 education, she supports teachers in integrating technology, delivers lessons on digital citizenship to students, and designs and facilitates over 100 online courses for educators and high school students. Nathrani earned her doctorate in digital transformation from Capella University, a master's degree in international education from Framingham State, and a bachelor's degree in education from the Northern Mariana Islands. She was named Teacher of the Year for her territory in 2022 and has received additional recognition including the National Cybersecurity Educator Award, the Northern Marianas Humanities Award, the Generation AI Luminary Award, and the ISTE 22 Watch Award. An active member of ISTE, the Generation AI cohort through Google, and the National Teacher of the Year organization, Nathrani also serves on the board of the CNMI Women's Association and engages students in environmental conservation projects such as tree planting and beach cleanups. She speaks Hindi, English, Sindhi, and basic Japanese.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Riya
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to loving my work and doing my best once I set my mind on something. Early on, the foundation from my parents' hard work and sacrifices to provide me with an education, even selling clothes at flea markets to pay for college, instilled values of hard work and pursuing education. I followed my passion for teaching from childhood, and success followed.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice is to not chase honors, awards, or money, but to find something you're really passionate about and love, then turn that into your work. Success will follow naturally. I followed my childhood passion for teaching by lining up toys to teach them.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do what you're passionate about and go after it. Don't let the limitations of living on a small island far from the mainland be a barrier to your dreams. Think beyond the shores and make positive contributions. Get your education but remember your roots and come back to serve the community.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The challenge is that education and technology are rapidly changing, with new tools especially AI emerging constantly. This gives the opportunity to put the person and learner first with a human-centered approach rather than focusing just on tools, emphasizing relationships with students.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Making an impact is the value that resonates most, whether at the classroom level helping a student learn to read their first word or at the national level sharing strategies with educators. Contributing to community and helping others is key.
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