Daniela Rivero Bryant

Lecturer in Real Estate

Daniela Rivero Bryant is a disaster economist and community developer. Her research focus is the impact of natural disasters on cities and individuals, and how leadership quality and government policy contribute to resilience and recovery. She has over 20 years of experience in community development and disaster recovery work in several countries, from the field to national policy. She is a NSF Graduate Research Fellow and will receive her Ph.D. in Economics from Tulane University in May of 2023.

Daniela has over 20 years of experience in community development and disaster recovery work in several countries, from the field to national policy. 

Daniela’s work began in the City of El Alto, Bolivia, one of the poorest urban areas in Latin America. As a young engineering student, participating in efforts and policy creation aimed at improving quality of life and health, and working closely with multiple levels of government shaped her appreciation of cities’ issues and how to attack them.

During more than eight years of work in the post-Katrina New Orleans recovery, Daniela used her engineering and project management skills to support affordable housing recovery in New Orleans. Her efforts as Field Operations Director and later Executive Director of the nonprofit organization Rebuilding Together resulted in the reconstruction of over one thousand homes in the city’s most vulnerable communities. Daniela later became a member of the Louisiana Land Trust’s executive team, where she coordinated the statewide disposition and reuse of thousands of Katrina-damaged properties.

In addition, Daniela has served on nonprofit organizations’ boards, from the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad to the Algiers Development District, where she is currently a commissioner.

Daniela lives in Algiers Point with her family, where they enjoy visits to the French Quarter, great food and live music.