Mark Rodriguez is a Chicagoan, born and raised. But his work with Heartland Alliance International (HAI) has given him the chance to expand his own understanding of who he is and what he believes in. As Chief Operating Officer for HAI, he supports the development and success of programs that span across continents. In his work, Mark finds that his own journey in understanding his identity and purpose is 
an experience that is shared around the globe.
How does your racial-ethnic identity shape the way you understand equity and opportunity for ALL?
That “identity” is made up of so many different aspects of my history. I am Puerto Rican, I have indigenous roots, I have Spanish roots – and it is even broader than that. Being Puerto Rican is sharing the histories of many different cultures, including Afro-Latino and colonial aspects of the past. I am rooted in values of inclusivity of being collaborative with others, and I take that and bring it into my work.
I grew up in a primarily Mexican neighborhood, and that has also impacted how I see myself. Today, I’m still discovering what it means to be Puerto Rican, to be Latino, to be a Chicagoan. I believe all of this will come together and there will be beauty in all of it. I find that Heartland Alliance shares the same belief of finding beauty in all of our backgrounds.
Is there a Latinx/Hispanic person that inspires you? Why does they inspire you?
There are a number of people that inspire me for various reasons. People like Dolores Huerta in the labor movement. She was a farmworker, Chicana, and she truly lifted up her voice and the voices of others. I also take heart in the life of Frida Kahlo, who experienced great adversities and still created such an incredible impact. Both of these people were rebellious of the status quo, and believed that the world could be better. Their feminist goals align with the work I do, and I strive to combat injustices like they did.
Life as a Latinx/Hispanic American often splits individuals into multiple worlds. Is there some sort of cultural element that transcends those worlds in your life?
Though I have Latino roots, my first language was English and I learned Spanish over time. But there are values within my culture beyond language that helped me transcend and become the activist I am today. There’s a common theme in my family – we stand up and speak out. My father and uncles were involved in the labor movement. That’s what my family is about. Activism is a big part of what being Latino is all about, especially now that the Latino community is so empowered and reclaiming its own voice and strengths.
Heartland Alliance strives for equity and opportunity for ALL, and has chosen to make anti-racism a pillar of that strategy. As a leader in the organization that identifies as Latinx/Hispanic, is there any perspective or guidance you want your colleagues and partners to know?
Do not lose sight of the uniqueness of our experiences. The differences within the Latinx community are vast and rich. I would hesitate to try to speak in one voice to represent that vastness, especially here at Heartland Alliance, a global organization. It is imperative to be intentional with our anti-racist strategies. Too often, a human’s capacity or desire to categorize are the same reasons we have racism. There are so many differences between cultures, and between people especially.
