Latino Power Players

In 2014, Jon took on the role of legislative liaison for Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and was instrumental in drafting local laws and the passage of multiple on-time budgets. Jon was promoted to special assistant to the Commissioner of Public Works in Erie County in 2018. In 2021 he was elected to the NYS Assembly and remains today where he serves as the subcommittee chair of regional tourism development.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Not every opportunity is meant to be. Develop patience and take your time on the things that matter to you most.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
The food and the music of Puerto Rican culture are so celebratory in nature, and inherent in that is a perpetual optimism that I feel has helped define me as a person. Growing up on Buffalo’s West Side, you learn the value of resiliency from a young age. Living my formative years in a community that has gone “without” for a long time made me more committed to providing for the next generation.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Being able to deliver vital resources to my childhood Boys & Girls Club, library and school system. There is no better feeling than knowing that hard work in Albany will mean a better life and a transformed community for those back home in Buffalo.

Dr. Havidán Rodríguez is the 20th president of the University at Albany. Under his leadership, UAlbany has opened state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, established an innovative AI Plus initiative to incorporate AI across the university’s academic and research programs, earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia in recognition of its data-driven approach to ensuring Latino students thrive on campus, and expanded its international and national influence.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Don’t worry, things will work out for you. Do not take “no” for an answer and do not let others instill in you that you will not be successful or that you will not fulfill your dreams or your aspirations. Study hard, work hard, never give up, and follow the advice of the great mentors you will meet along the way. You will stumble, you will fall, but you will get up and succeed.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
I am extremely proud to be Puerto Rican and I wear this badge with honor and pride. My history, background, and culture shaped the person I am today. I’ve learned and been influenced by the struggles of my people, the challenges they face, and the obstacles that were put along their (our way), but I am also a product of their pride, perseverance, resilience, and that human spirit that never allows you to give up.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Every year, graduation is one of my proudest professional moments. As I see thousands of students, including first-generation and low-income students, graduating from college, overcoming the obstacles and challenges before them, I feel honored and inspired. Also, serving on President Biden’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics, which works to ensure the success of Latino/a and other students of color, is a great point of pride for me.

José Rodriguez has joined Bolton-St. Johns as senior vice president. José is a skilled and dedicated government relations professional who has worked at all levels of government for the past 20 years. He has worked with City, State, and Federal legislators and agencies alike. José is also a board member of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. José resides in the Bronx with his wife Prisca-Salazar-Rodriguez and sons, José Andres Rodriguez, and Javier A. Matos-Rodriguez.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Focus on developing your mind, body and soul and aim to surround yourself with successful people. Trust God! 

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
It has given me a unique perspective of who I am and the person I continue to become. 

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Every event and activity that I am involved in makes me proud. 

Commissioner Rodriguez oversees more than 5,500 employees, an operating budget of $1.4 billion, and a 10-year capital budget of $33 billion. He leads the Adams administration’s efforts to make our streets better and safer for all New Yorkers and to enhance the city’s public realm. A proud immigrant from the Dominican Republic, he’s the first Latino to serve as commissioner. Rodriguez previously served on the city council, chairing the Transportation Committee from 2014 to 2021.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Always dream big and never give up.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My heritage has taught me that we should all be proud of who we are and that we are all capable of great things in life. My father couldn’t read or write, but he provided for 13 kids and gave us an opportunity to be successful. We may come from different backgrounds as Americans, but that’s what makes our country strong.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I’ve always tried to live life around my values, my faith, and serving others. I’m proud of being a teacher, a council member, and DOT commissioner. I started off making sandwiches in the cafeteria in the same building where I now serve as commissioner. I want to provide opportunities to others and I’ve been proud to do that in every role I’ve had.

Zulaika Rodriguez-Awoliyi serves as the associate vice chancellor for executive recruitment and leadership development for the State University of New York. With over 19 years of experience, she is currently leading the management of executive searches for the SUNY System, specializing in identifying and placing exceptional leaders who possess the skills and vision needed to drive success across various campuses.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
I never thought I’d be where I am today. I had a lot of bumps in the road and there were times in my life where things didn’t seem possible. I’d tell my younger self to be prepared for the unexpected and not let anyone assume capabilities or tell you that you can’t do something. Believe in yourself, and when you succeed – pay it forward.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
Growing up in a Puerto Rican house, I was raised to be very family-oriented. From a young age, I learned the power of sticking together and helping others during both easy and hard times. Those core values have stuck with me. Throughout my career, I always offered a helping hand and tried to foster mentor and mentee relationships. I know these relationships will help everyone on my team be the best versions of themselves.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
My proudest achievements include increasing SUNY’s engagement, competitiveness, and participation across the system. I have mentored dozens through the Hispanic Leadership Program and played a key role in appointing campus presidents. What touches me most deeply is when I inform someone that they will be the next president or when a graduate of our leadership programs lands their dream job and I’m the first person they call; when I make a positive and lasting impact.

Claudia has over 25 years of experience leading marketing and advocacy for global organizations like UNICEF, UNHCR, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum. She founded the We Are All Human Foundation and co-founded the “A la Latina” podcast. An activist for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Claudia is a renowned public speaker proficient in six languages. She has launched successful campaigns, including SDG Lions, Product (RED), and the Sustainable Development Goals.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Every setback is a lesson, and every success is a stepping stone. I would also remind myself to surround myself with people who inspire me and to always be open to learning from them. Most importantly, believe in your ability to make a difference – your voice and actions have power.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My Mexican heritage is the foundation of my values and worldview. It instilled in me a deep sense of community, resilience, and hard work. Growing up surrounded by vibrant culture and strong traditions made me proud of who I am and fueled my passion for advocating for my community. My heritage taught me the importance of family, unity, and standing together, which drives my career and work with the We Are All Human Foundation.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
One of the proudest moments of my career was launching the Hispanic Star platform and seeing it become a unifying force for Latinos in the U.S. Witnessing its impact – bringing together leaders, companies, and individuals to support and uplift Hispanics – has been deeply fulfilling. It’s a testament to collective action and the power of representation. Knowing our work is changing the narrative for Hispanics and inspiring future generations fills me with immense pride.

Alexander Roque, a Hispanic leader with over 20 years of nonprofit experience, has transformed the sector through his visionary leadership. Since 2011, as head of the Ali Forney Center’s Development Department, he has tripled the budget and expanded programs. Previously, he led national fundraising for health and youth programs. Alex’s work with the Center for Anti-Violence Education empowered women. In 2018, he joined Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation board, championing global youth mental health.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Don’t lose sight of the greatness within you, and the impact you can have on the lives of others.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My heritage impacts my political views, my leadership, and how I show up in my community. Being a proud son of immigrants, I hold my culture, language, and identity very proudly and central to my identity and the person I am.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Being named president and executive director of the Ali Forney Center and leading this very important work.

Dr. Rosa became the first Latina woman to serve as commissioner starting in February 2021, having previously served as the chancellor and member of the Board of Regents. She is a nationally recognized education leader with more than 30 years of instructional and administrative experience. Dr. Rosa earned an Ed. M. and Ed. D. in administration, planning and social policy from Harvard University. She also holds two Master of Science in education degrees from the City College of New York and Lehman College  and a B.A. in psychology from the City College of New York.

Rafael Salamanca Jr. is the council member for New York City Council’s 17th District and serves as chair of the Land Use Committee. Since his special election in 2016, CM Salamanca has been a champion for affordable housing, approving more than 10,000 units of new 100% affordable housing. Driving more than $220 million in capital investments to his district, CM Salamanca fights for job creation and is committed to providing Bronx youth access to quality education.

Senator Julia Salazar (Brooklyn/Queens) is a tireless advocate for working New Yorkers in her district and statewide. Since becoming the youngest woman elected to the New York State Senate in 2018, she has played a critical role in winning tenant protections, empowering public housing residents to secure additional federal funding, passing climate protection legislation, protecting reproductive health, and ending child marriage. As chair of the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime, & Correction, Senator Salazar also is a leading voice for ending mass incarceration and mitigating the inhumanity of New York’s prison system.