Nivea Cordova Berrios

Nivea has dedicated her life to helping those with special needs reach their full potential. Her advocacy leadership has helped change the way the world views those with disabilities. Nivea is a retired administrator for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland.

Nivea’s work began in Puerto Rico, where she won a landmark case in Superior Court benefiting all special needs school children by granting them the right to receive uninterrupted education all year long to avoid regression and loss of skills learned during the year. She is one of the founders of The Parents Place of Maryland, a training and information center for parents and special needs children. She was appointed by the United States Department of Education as co-chair for the Select Committee of Underserved Group of Parents, a group of eleven parents who served nationally to help parents and special needs children. She is one of the founders and co-chair of the Montgomery County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Multicultural Community Partnership and one of the founders of Montgomery County Collaboration Council for Children and Families. Served two County Executives on the Latin American Advisory Group. Made presentations on national and local television and radio stations regarding autism and special needs children and adults.

Some of her awards and recognitions include Proclamation in her honor by the Montgomery County Council (2011), Official Citations From the Maryland General Assembly (2006 and 2011), City of Gaithersburg Proclamation Day in her honor (2011), Award from Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett for her Outstanding Service (2009), Leadership Montgomery Unsung Leader Award (2008), NAACP Awards for Her Outstanding Service to the Community (2007 and 2011), Montgomery County Public Schools Distinguished Service to Public Education as Administrator of the Year (2005) and many others.