Bio

Mercedes Lopez Richardson graduated from Marian High School in 198 where her volleyball team won two Metro Conference Championships, two CIF IA titles and finished 3^rd and 2^nd in the California State Championships. Recruited by Southwestern College to continue competing in volleyball, she led the 1981 and 1982 “Apaches” to two Pacific Coast Championships and an outstanding upset over second seed Santa Monica at the Southern California Regionals. For her outstanding leadership and skill as a 5-1 setter, she was voted All Coast Conference in both ’81 and ’82 with First Team honors in ’82.

In 1983, Mercedes transferred to San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Life Science. She earned her Master’s in Curriculum and Supervision from Point Loma University and is currently working on her Doctoral degree.

Mercedes began her professional career seventeen years ago for the Sweetwater High School District, advancing through the positions of math and science teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, and supervisor. She is currently the Director of Student Support services and is responsible for the District’s before and after school programs, athletics, discipline, expulsions, crisis management, and community use of facilities.

In addition, Mercedes has passionately focused on dropout prevention and encouraged female Hispanic students to set high academic goals and to seek nontraditional career pathways. As a result, she has helped to develop and implement Adelante Mujer, a conference that united Latinas, their mother and role models in all areas of life to promote leaning and opportunities.

Mercedes Richardson continues to strive to keep the whole child as the district’s top priority. Most important, her children Miguel and Mari are the joy of her life.