Leader Spotlight - Ms. Rodriguez

Congrats to Ms. Rodriguez, our amazing SRLA student alumna, dedicated SRLA Leader, SRLA parent, and charity fundraiser, on being recognized with the SRLA STAR Award! From reluctant runner to inspiring leader, she’s now committed to helping students and promoting SRLA. Earlier this month, Ms. Rodriguez was honored with the SRLA Star Award for her commitment to unselfishly and enthusiastically providing outstanding leadership.

What motivated you to become an SRLA Leader?
A friend asked me to join. Initially, I told her, “No”! There was no way I was running another marathon, but she convinced me. Ever since, it’s the students that keep me coming back year after year.

What is your favorite memory (so far!) from SRLA?
Running with my son when he was a part of Nobel MS SRLA.

What has been your biggest challenge as a leader? How did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge has been finding the balance of running my own race while making sure all my students finish. I either run my race and then immediately go back out on the course to cheer on my students or, what I did this last marathon, stick with my slowest runners the whole time. I’m out there a long time either way but it’s worth it to see my students succeed.

What’s something that people may be surprised to learn about you?
I’m currently working on running a marathon (or more!) in every state.

What is your favorite words of advice that you share with your students?
Suck it up!
IT DOESN’T GET EASIER, YOU JUST GET STRONGER!

What is something about SRLA that brings you joy?
Seeing the faces of our runners when they reach a milestone they thought was impossible. Whether it's running a distance, conditioning, or even excelling in math or reading, they learn to push themselves in every area of life thanks to SRLA..

What is something that brings you joy?
Seeing my students finish the race brings me joy, knowing that I had a hand in their success.

Anything else you would like to share?

I am a member of SRLA’s charity marathon fundraising team - Team SRLA. Every year, I do my part to keep the program running. I encourage more runners to join!

Rapid Fire!
My favorite race has been...
I can’t pick one! I like both the SRLA Strength 10K in La Puente and the SRLA Friendship Run 30K in Hansen Dam - I like loops!
The longest run I've ever finished was...
JFK 50 Miler in Maryland!

One thing I can't run without is...

My watch.

My favorite place to run is...

Lake Balboa Park

My favorite post-run snack...
Chorizo, egg, and potato burrito (that counts as a snack, right?)

YOU CAN HELP LEADERS LIKE MS. RODRIGUEZ GET THEIR STUDENTS ACROSS THE FINISH LINE

Donate, volunteer, or sponsor our students to make a difference with SRLA.