Naomi Rodriguez
Meet Naomi, who brings her experience advancing equity through community-rooted programs, youth development, and nonprofit operations to her role as program coordinator on the US team.
Before joining Imaginable Futures, she played a key role in supporting national environmental initiatives by streamlining partner engagement processes, coordinating events, and strengthening operational systems that connected grassroots efforts to broader impact.
Across her career, Naomi has led statewide training initiatives, managed technical assistance for dozens of organizations, and co-developed equity-centered curricula. She has overseen trauma-informed programming, improved operational systems, and facilitated strategic partnerships that expanded community reach and impact. Naomi centers trust, cultural humility, and the leadership of communities most impacted by inequity in all her work.
Q&A
What lessons did you learn early in your career that you keep with you today?
Build with people, not just for people. The best work happens in authentic partnership.
Why do you love coming to work?
I get to support people and ideas that reimagine what’s possible for children, families, and communities.
If you didn’t work at Imaginable Futures, what would you be doing?
I love connecting with people, sharing stories, and inspiring action, so I’d probably be working in that realm—building community and fostering meaningful conversations that drive positive change.
If you could be one character from a book? Who would you choose and why?
I’d choose Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes because she reminds us that being true to yourself is powerful—even when the world tries to make you feel small.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
In elementary school, I wanted to be an actress—despite never taking acting lessons or joining theater! I’ve always loved observing people and their stories, both on TV and in movies—and it’s full circle that storytelling is now part of what I love in my professional career.
Where is your happy place?
My happy place is either a beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic or simply finding home with my wife and our dog, Nala.
What’s the closest thing to real magic in this world?
The closest thing to real magic is found in simple pleasures—the first sip of coffee, a quiet moment, or time with loved ones—and in choosing to be present rather than always reaching for what’s next.
If someone narrated your life, who would you want it to be?
If someone narrated my life, I’d want it to be Zoe Saldana—her calm, confident voice brings warmth and depth, making every story feel authentic and inspiring.
Favorite season?
Spring! — growth, renewal, and new beginnings.
Favorite quote:
“I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” – Malala Yousafzai