Meet the Family: Rodrigo

Are you excited for Meet the Family Friday?! Today, we spotlight Upward Scholars Board Member Rodrigo.

Rodrigo joined the Upward Scholars family as a board member at the start of 2022. Currently, he is the Board Secretary and sits on the Fund Development & Marketing Committee and the Marketing & Communications Working Group. Rodrigo's own experience as an immigrant from Peru informs his passion for Upward Scholars' mission. "I was fortunate to have a bi-cultural upbringing, splitting my time between Gilroy, CA, and Piura, Peru; from the garlic fields to the pima cotton fields. As such, I am close to the immigrant experience, both domestically and across the globe," he says.

"As an immigrant, I appreciate the significance education has played in my ability to pursue the American dream. Being on the Upward Scholars Board is both an honor and humbling in that I'm afforded the opportunity to play a small role in helping others pursue their own American dream via education. For me, it's a privilege to work alongside my fellow board members and Upward Scholars staff doing work that matters and helps generations of immigrant Americans. To observe Upward Scholar students' ambition, work ethic, and passion is inspiring; each of them represents the best of our future."

Gracias, Rodrigo, for your work and dedication to advance Upward Scholars' mission of increasing economic mobility among adult immigrants in the Bay Area. You are an incredible asset to our family!