Nereida “Nellie” Rivera-O’Reilly was born and raised on the island of St. Croix. She is a graduate of the St. Croix Central High School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Finance from the University of Phoenix. She is a certified professional in Human Resources and currently works as a business consultant and freelance paralegal. 
Ms. Rivera-O’Reilly serves as a member of the St. Croix Environmental Association and is President of Hispanos Unidos of the Virgin Islands. She is a former member of the V.I. Commission on the Status of Women and the V.I. Humanities Council. During her prior term as president of Hispanos Unidos of the Virgin Islands (2000-2003) the board was successful in obtaining a grant from the Virgin Islands Resource Center for the disabled. With the help of this grant, Hispanos Unidos was able to open the doors to the first Hispanic Community Technology Center providing after school programs for students as well as English as a Second Language and computer courses for adults.
Ms. Rivera-O’Reilly is a staunch advocate for excellence in education. She is a proponent of single gender based education and supports measures that raise the standards for teachers and students alike.