Lifting As We Climb: An IGA Conversation on Leadership and Legacy with Luisa Rodriguez-Aponte
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, an International Girls Academy (IGA) student had the incredible privilege of interviewing Luisa Rodriguez-Aponte, President of the 100 Hispanic Women New Jersey Program. Read on for her inspiring insights on education, culture, and the importance of girl leadership.
Featured Leader: Luisa Rodriguez-Aponte
Luisa Rodriguez-Aponte is the President of the 100 Hispanic Women New Jersey Program. A proud first-generation Latina born and raised in New York City, Luisa has dedicated her nearly ten-year career to youth development and education. She is an expert in project management, policy, and research, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Science in Public Policy. She channels her passion into empowering Latinas and the next generation of leaders.
1. Background, Inspiration, and Identity
The NYC Grit and Family Foundation
Luisa described growing up in NYC as a "full and vibrant experience" that instills "grit and determination." Her greatest inspiration came from her parents: her father modeled discipline, growth, and integrity through hard work, while her mother led with compassion and resilience, teaching Luisa that true strength lies in both.
On the calling to serve, she discovered her true passion in education. "In my home, education was always emphasized as something no one could ever take away from me. It was my source of empowerment," she shared. "Working in education and being able to pour into the next generation is an honor and a privilege."
The Meaning of First-Generation
For Luisa, being a first-generation Latina means "never giving up and always lifting others as we climb." She carries the resilient spirit of her family, who built a better life from very little. "It’s in our DNA as first-generation Latinas to push ahead while making sure others rise with us."
2. Education, Career, and Community
The Path to Public Policy
From an early age, Luisa felt a calling to create a "more just and equitable place." This mindset led her to study political science and public policy, fields that allow her to build a career centered on making a meaningful difference.
When asked about challenges in school, she confessed to struggling with perfectionism and unrealistic expectations. Her key lesson: "Learning to balance ambition with self-compassion has been an important lesson that continues to stretch and humble me into adulthood."
The Joy of Empowerment
Luisa finds that helping students "fulfills me and keeps me energized." She sees parts of herself in the students she works with, and the experience confirms the importance of empowering one another to grow and keep learning.
3. Heritage, Culture, and Celebration
The Pride of being Latina
"I am proud to be Latina because our roots are woven with resilience and so much culture," Luisa said. Her pride stems from the traditions that celebrate family, language, and food, and the honor of standing on the shoulders of the ancestors who sacrificed for her generation.
Traditions and Sweet Memories
The family celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by gathering around food, music, and stories that honor their roots. Her favorite cultural tradition is the parranda during the holidays—a spontaneous, loud gathering of family and friends with music and instruments that reminds everyone of the importance of community and togetherness.
Her favorite heritage foods are Arroz con leche (rice pudding) and habichuelas con dulce (sweet beans), which "connect me deeply to my heritage" and serve as sweet bonds across generations.
4. Advice for Future IGA Leaders
Your Voice Matters
Luisa's advice to girls who want to be leaders is simple but powerful: "always believe that your voice matters, even when the world tries to convince you otherwise."
Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about showing up with integrity, compassion, and courage. "The obstacles you face can actually become the very things that shape you into a stronger, wiser leader. And most importantly, never forget to lift others as you climb."
The Foundation of Confidence
When things get hard, she reminds herself that she is "standing on the foundation of generations who made a way out of no way." She stays confident by focusing on progress over perfection and remembering her family's values.
A Message to Her 10-Year-Old Self
Reflecting on her past, Luisa would tell her younger self: "Be proud of who you are and where you come from... Don’t be afraid to take up space. Your dreams are valid, and your story matters. You got this!"
