The Interview-Grace Rodriguez
Briefly describe yourself and what you do/did.
I’m Grace Rodriguez, the Deputy Director of BTG Community Outreach. Every day I have the privilege of helping connect people with food, resources, and hope while helping build programs and partnerships that strengthen our community. Outside of work, I’m a proud mom to my daughter, Leilani, and I genuinely believe that loving people well can change lives.
Best piece of advice you’ve received.
Don’t be afraid to take up space. You don’t have to shrink yourself to make other people comfortable.
If I had it to do over…
I would spend less time worrying about what everyone else thought of me and more time enjoying the season I was in. Life moves a lot faster than we realize.
You are going on an extended solo trip. What three albums and three books would you take?
Albums:
• Born Sinner – J. Cole
• My Beautiful Dark Twisted Enemy – Kanye West
• The Art of Loving – Olivia Dean
Books:
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stephen Chbosky
• Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens
• Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately – Alicia Cook
Tell us one thing about yourself that few people know.
A fun fact about me is that I love writing poetry. It’s one of the ways I make sense of the world and turn life’s experiences into something meaningful.
You are hosting a dinner party for six. What five people, living or dead, would you invite and why?
• Selena Quintanilla – She embodied joy, humility, and authenticity. Despite her incredible success, she remained grounded, and I’d love to hear how she balanced ambition with staying true to herself.
• My mom – There are so many conversations we never got to have. I’d love one more evening to hear her stories, ask for her advice, and simply spend time with her.
• Marcus Aurelius – His writings on resilience, discipline, and finding peace in the face of hardship have stood the test of time. I’d love to hear how he viewed leadership, purpose, and navigating life’s challenges.
• Maya Angelou – Her wisdom, grace, and ability to turn pain into powerful words have always inspired me. I’d love to learn from the way she viewed courage, kindness, and humanity.
• J. Cole – Beyond his music, I admire his thoughtfulness, humility, and willingness to speak honestly about life, success, and social issues. I think he’d bring a grounded perspective and meaningful conversation to the table.
Name an as yet unfulfilled dream.
I’d love to build a legacy of service that inspires my daughter to believe she can make a difference too. Professionally, I hope to continue growing a graduation program that allows our clients to find stability in their restoration.
If you weren’t doing what you are, you would be…
Probably public relations. Maybe even journalism, but mostly working in marketing and communications, or helping another nonprofit tell its story and connect with people.
Your go-to food.
Caesar Salad… especially with salmon.
Favorite movie(s).
Spider-man: Into the Universe, Percy Jackson: The Lightening Thief, One of Them Days
Dogs or cats?
Cats, I’m actually scared of big dogs. My daughter also really loves cats.
Your favorite quote and why.
“Be the reason someone believes there is still good in the world.”
It’s simple, but it reminds me that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
Name something that you are extremely glad you did or accomplished.
Choosing to step into leadership, even when I wasn’t sure I was ready. It has stretched me, challenged me, and shown me I’m capable of far more than I ever gave myself credit for. 4%
What advice would you give your younger self just starting out on their own?
Give yourself more grace. You’re going to make mistakes, change your mind, outgrow people, and start over more than once and that’s okay. None of those things mean you’ve failed. They mean you’re growing. Keep showing up, keep loving people well, and don’t lose your sense of humor, even when life gets messy
