Norma Rodriguez is a California-based strategist and nonprofit leader whose work sits at the intersection of education policy, advocacy, community engagement, and systems change. A first-generation college graduate who grew up in California’s Central Valley, Norma brings a deep understanding of the experiences and systems shaping opportunity for students and families, as well as extensive experience translating community priorities into organizational strategy and action. Her approach is grounded in organizing and asset-based community engagement, with a focus on building from the strengths and expertise that already exist within communities and organizations.
Norma most recently served as Director of Community Prosperity and Ownership at United Way of Greater Los Angeles, where she led multi-neighborhood initiatives focused on economic mobility, community ownership, and systems change. She also launched the Community College Success Initiative, a multi-year effort supporting historically underrepresented, first-generation community college students through mentorship, partnerships, and expanded access to resources and opportunities. Her work has required navigating complex stakeholder environments and bringing together community members, nonprofit and public-sector partners, philanthropy, and institutional leaders around shared priorities.
Norma brings particular depth in the California education ecosystem and the political, policy, and community dynamics that shape education advocacy in the state. She understands the importance of looking beyond individual policies to the broader ecosystem of policymakers, education institutions, advocates, community organizations, philanthropy, educators, students, and families—and of understanding how relationships, power, and political context influence opportunities for change.