When I was in third grade, Mrs. Campbell brought food to class that was similar to what astronauts ate. In eighth grade, I visited college campuses that I never would have been able to visit were it not for Mrs. Williamson’s trips for us. In 12th grade, Ms. Petticolas hand-picked me as the lead for the first play featuring an all-African American cast ever held at our high school. And before all of them, my very first teacher, my mother, taught me that I determined my own potential, and whether or not I reached it.
My teachers helped shape my worldview and perception of self. Because of them, I knew I wanted my life to make a difference in the world. Humane education is a natural fit with my own values, as it speaks to the necessity of education in creating the problem-solvers, the solutionaries, of tomorrow. Education can transform the world, and IHE is on the leading edge of redefining the impact of knowledge with solution-focused learning.
Holly Rodriguez is an award-winning journalist and public relations strategist and fundraiser. Her commitment to justice and equality has led her to work for various public and private companies, organizations, and nonprofits to uphold human rights and caring for the environment. Her previous work has included investigative reporting, designing public relations campaigns, social media marketing, and search engine optimization strategy.
Holly has a degree in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University. She lives in Richmond,VA with her two children, is an amateur African American historian, and loves her morning cup of coffee, the beach, movies, writing and laughter.
