On November 10, I began my tenure as Executive Director of DHDC, honored to lead an organization that has stood beside Southwest Detroit families for decades. DHDC plays a vital role in our community, and I am committed to strengthening the programs, partnerships, and opportunities that help our youth and families thrive.My story begins with my parents, who were born in Central Mexico and migrated with their families to a small agricultural village near the U.S.–Mexico border. They grew up picking cotton under the Sonoran Desert sun, driven by a deep desire to expand their opportunities to build better lives. My father eventually ran a small landscaping business in Southern California, and even with limited means housed friends in need, offered odd jobs, and ensured no one around him went without food. Their humility, generosity, and resilience shaped my values and commitment I bring to this work.
I grew up in a neighborhood much like Southwest Detroit—rich in culture, pride, and solidarity, yet facing persistent inequities in health, education, and economic opportunity. Those early realities, and the challenges faced by my own family and neighbors, drew me into community organizing. I became involved in movements led by students, artists, and immigrant rights advocates pushing back against harmful legislation. It was through canvassing, mutual aid, and advocacy that I discovered my calling: standing with communities to confront inequities and building pathways for collective empowerment.
For nearly three decades, my work has focused on community development and youth leadership. I co-founded a collective supporting Indigenous women’s entrepreneurship and human rights efforts in southern Mexico. In New Orleans, I worked alongside civil rights leader Curtis Muhammad to launch Community Labor United, a grassroots effort that served as foundational infrastructure for recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city.
My professional journey includes serving in multiple leadership roles at LA CAUSA YouthBuild in Los Angeles, where young people gained education, vocational training, and leadership skills while improving housing conditions for low-income families. Much of our work centered on supporting gang and court-involved youth to become leaders in their communities. Later, with YouthBuild Global, I collaborated on re-entry, workforce development, and violence prevention efforts across Latin America and the Caribbean.
After relocating to Michigan, I joined We The People Michigan as Managing Director, helping strengthen statewide organizing during a period of rapid growth for the organization. Across every chapter of my career, one principle has guided me: communities are strongest when those most impacted shape the solutions.
In these early weeks at DHDC, I’ve listened to young people advocating for stronger educational opportunities and a greater voice in shaping their futures. I’ve met youth exploring media arts, as well as our youth robotics teams and their mentors, who are building impressive projects that strengthen confidence, teamwork, and a passion for STEM—fueling dreams of becoming
engineers and innovators. I’ve also connected with parents seeking stability for their families and entrepreneurs in our Side Hustle to CEO programs, eager to share their cultural and creative talents. Their impactful stories reflect the vibrancy and determination that define Southwest Detroit.
Today, I am honored to work alongside a deeply committed team to carry forward the same mission, with the same priorities, for the same community. DHDC is strong because of you—our youth, families, partners, and neighbors.
As we continue DHDC’s mission, I invite you to join us. Volunteer, partner, share your skills, or become a donor. Together, we can ensure that every youth and family in Southwest Detroit has the opportunity not only to meet their needs but to truly thrive.
with gratitude,
Miguel Rodriguez
We’re on a mission — and we can’t do it alone. Consider donating to our campaign today!
Southwest Detroit thrives because of people like you — neighbors who believe in our youth, in our families, and in a future full of opportunity. Your gift today fuels programs that keep our young people learning, building careers, and leading with pride.
Your support means we can continue offering vital services to our community—from education and workforce training to violence prevention and creative youth development—while also maintaining our building as a safe, inspiring haven for all who walk through our doors.
Every dollar strengthens our community.
Will you stand with DHDC?
See exactly how your support fuels our programs and services here: https://www.dhdc1.org/donate/
Estamos en una misión — y no podemos hacerlo solos. ¡Considera hacer una donación a nuestra campaña hoy!
Southwest Detroit prospera gracias a personas como tú — vecinos que creen en nuestra juventud, en nuestras familias y en un futuro lleno de oportunidades. Tu aporte impulsa programas que ayudan a que nuestros jóvenes sigan aprendiendo, construyendo carreras y liderando con orgullo.
Tu apoyo nos permite continuar ofreciendo servicios vitales a nuestra comunidad — desde educación y capacitación laboral hasta prevención de violencia y desarrollo creativo para jóvenes — mientras mantenemos nuestras instalaciones como un espacio seguro e inspirador para todos los que cruzan nuestras puertas.
Cada dólar fortalece a nuestra comunidad.
¿Te unes a DHDC?
Conoce cómo tu apoyo impulsa nuestros programas y servicios aquí: https://www.dhdc1.org/donate/
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