My name is Roxanna Rivera-Pelton, and I am a Senior Lecturer at the University of Arizona’s College of Education, where I serve as an instructor and site coordinator. I teach undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Elementary Education, combining my passion for teaching with a commitment to shaping the next generation of educators. My dedication to education extends beyond the classroom, fueling my belief in the importance of training first responders in skillsets that not only protect them but also enhance community safety.

The No Belt Required program holds a special place in my heart. As the wife of a retired police officer and the daughter of a former sheriff’s deputy, I have seen firsthand how critical these skills can be. Martial arts played a pivotal role in saving my husband’s life during a dangerous encounter on duty. His ingrained training enabled him to protect himself, avoid the use of deadly force, and most importantly, come home safely to his family—a gift we will always cherish. This program has already made a profound difference in the lives of first responders, their families, and their communities, and I am honored to contribute to its continued impact.