Eric Rodriguez
Senior Vice President, UnidosUS
Eric Rodriguez is the UnidosUS senior vice president, where he oversees the Office of Policy and Advocacy. The Office of Policy and Advocacy directs the organization’s congressional and political affairs, public policy, and state policy efforts. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., UnidosUS is the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S. Through its network of nearly 300 affiliated community-based organizations, UnidosUS reaches millions of Latinos annually in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington.
Eric has three decades of experience in public policy working to advance political, economic, and social equality for the Latino community. His background also includes work on retirement savings, workforce development, financial inclusion, as well as health care and education reforms. He has authored, coauthored, and supervised the preparation of countless policy and research reports, journal articles, and opinion pieces. He has also frequently testified at congressional hearings and has represented UnidosUS at research and policy conferences, and symposia. His work has been widely cited in the press, along with policy and academic literature.
Eric currently serves as a board member for the Institute on Taxation & Economic Policy (ITEP), Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), EdTrust, and the UnidosUS Action Fund. Prior to UnidosUS, Eric was a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Fellow and served in U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez’s (D–NY) office. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from American University and a bachelor’s degree in history from Siena College. Mr. Rodriguez is originally from Red Hook, Brooklyn.
Why does education equity matter?
Within the civil rights community, we firmly believe that all individuals deserve an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances. Unfortunately, too many children in the U.S. attend schools that deny them the opportunities and resources they need. Educational equity matters because it removes barriers and unleashes the full potential of our nation’s students.
Why are you passionate about being on EdTrust’s board?
I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside the EdTrust leadership and team for many years. The experience has shown me how important the organization is and must continue to be in helping to advance educational equity in our nation. It’s a privilege and an honor to serve on the Board and contribute in any way I can to strengthening the organization, making sure it can continue to thrive and achieve its mission well into the future.