ERIKA RODRIGUEZ

Winner of The State Street Latino 30 under 30 Award

 

Interim Executive Director, Chica Project

Age: 26

Heritage: Dominican

 

Notable Accomplishments:

 

• Boston Neighborhood Fellow Award from The Philanthropic Initiative and Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh

 

Erika Rodriguez is a well-known community organizer and non-profit leader in the City of Boston and the Interim Executive Director of Chica Project. Chica Project is a non- profit organization with the mission of closing the opportunity divide for Latinas and other Women of Color by empowering them with the skills, confidence, and network necessary to thrive personally and professionally.

 

A proud first-generation Dominican, she was born and raised in Boston. Before leading Chica Project, Erika worked for Beantown Society and The City School. She attended Boston Public Schools and later was part of the METCO Program attending Concord-Carlisle Regional High School.

 

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Africana Studies from Simmons College and is a recipient of the distinguished Boston Neighborhood Fellow Award issued by The Philanthropic Initiative and Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh.

 

Her work with young underrepresented women is thoughtful, strategic, and visionary. Erika’s passion is to empower youth of color to analyze power and oppression in society and to embrace their gifts, strengths, and leadership through love and the spirit of community. Her success lies in having the unconditional support of her family and community to guide and challenge her both professionally and personally.

 

She has had many mentors in her life which have allowed her to find her passion and strengthen her leadership skills as a social justice warrior and activist. Chief among those is Erika’s mother, Luz Belliard.