BIOGRAPHY

Diana Lum is the Cultivator of District Relations at the Center for Education at Rice University. She has served in education for 20 years in various roles including Principal, Field Supervisor, Academics Program Manager, Sr. Manager of Leadership Recruitment/Grow Your Own Programs and Professor of Practice. In her previous role leading the Central Office Recruitment Department for the largest school district in Texas, she co-implemented Opportunity Culture, creating pathways for up to $25,000 in additional compensation for teacher leaders. She also partnered with Texas universities to create programs that provided district students and employees pathways to teaching, resulting in over 100 aspiring teachers earning their Texas teacher certification. Additionally, she secured a $2 million grant for paid teacher residencies, a first for the district. Diana has coached over 150 teachers and aspiring leaders, focusing on professional development and addressing the needs of K-12 students. Her passion lies in empowering future educators and closing achievement gaps in PK through 12 classrooms.

Diana double majored at Texas State University earning her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Spanish. She also earned a Master's in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston-Victoria.