Defending DEI & Equity Work with Dr. Rick Rodriguez

What does it take to build a truly inclusive, culturally competent organization where burnout isn’t the norm — but the exception?


In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m joined by Dr. Rick Rodriguez, Co-Founder and Learning Partner at The Rooted Life — a first-generation, LGBTQ+, minority-founded, bilingual coaching and consulting organization that centers people, culture, and identity at the heart of leadership.


With over 20 years of experience supporting schools, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations, Rick offers a healing-centered, equity-driven approach to leadership and organizational development. He helps teams go beyond surface-level diversity initiatives to foster environments where people not only feel seen — but truly belong and thrive.


💡 Key Topics:

• Why tackling burnout requires cultural change — not just better scheduling
• How bilingual and bicultural leadership can expand the lens of inclusion
• The difference between performative allyship and transformative equity work
• What it means to lead from a place deeply rooted in identity and values
• Practical steps nonprofits can take to build more culturally competent teams

🔍 About Dr. Rick Rodriguez


Rooted in the Chichimeca people of Central and Southern Mexico -Rick is a first-generation Mexicano Americano originally from Laredo, Texas. Rick has lived through and acknowledges the challenges that individuals and communities of color face across our systems. Barriers to success have further fueled his mission to ensure that the work is laser-focused on removing such barriers and mindsets for others.


Rick brings experience from the corporate , K-12, and social sectors where his leadership has incorporated collaborative approaches to strategies, structures, and frameworks that center on the needs of individuals, teams, and systems while engaging necessary internal and external stakeholders in the process for progress. Rick is a strong believer in the reality that “Si se puede!” and is determined to lead efforts that bring about what is best for all.


Rick holds a B.A. in Sociology from Texas A&M University – San Antonio, an M.S. in Human Resource Development, and an Ed.D in Professional Leadership K-12 from the University of Houston. Now based in La Tierra del Encanto (New Mexico), the mountains are calling and Rick is steadfast in reclaiming what should and will be.


🧰 Resources & Links:

• https://www.therootedlife.org/about 
•   / rick-rodriguez-ed-d-1667b751  

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