Newly elected Carmen Rivera was sworn in on Nov. 30 to fill the vacant position two on the Renton City Council.

Rivera will serve the remainder of the term of Angelina Benedetti, whose term ended on Nov. 22. She will start her four-year term on Jan. 1, 2022.

Rivera was born and raised in Renton and graduated from Lindbergh High School. She attended Seattle University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice specializing in Forensic Psychology. In addition, she earned a Master’s in Forensic Psychology from the University of Liverpool in England.

After graduating, she worked in Washington State’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families at Echo Glen Children’s Center. She was a case manager developing individualized treatment plans and conducting counseling sessions. Ms. Rivera transitioned to work for YouthSource, in King County’s Department of Community and Human Services. She assisted 16- to 24-year-olds, who dropped out of school, complete their secondary credential, and move on to college and or employment.

She currently works as a full-time lecturer at Seattle University’s Criminal Justice Department.

Her first meeting as a member of the Renton City Council will be Monday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Renton City Council meetings are shown live on Channel 21 in Renton and streamed at rentonwa.gov/21.