Fran Rodriguez
I want this gift to ignite hope, awareness, and generosity for the next generation of Latinos in Lancaster. I want the next generation to feel that magic.
More than 20 years ago, Fran Rodriguez noticed an absence of opportunity, data, and information focused on Latinos in Lancaster. So, she embarked on a quest to change that. After promoting the idea to many, it was the Community Foundation that said “yes” to her proposal. Fran shares, “I clearly remember the meeting with Doug Levering like it was yesterday! He believed in my organization’s vision to learn more about Lancaster’s Latino population, especially the issues influencing its progress. Now, 17 years later, I’ve come full circle to the place where it all began.”
Because of the Community Foundation’s support, “Latinos in Lancaster County: Voices, Perspectives, Myths, and Realities” was published in 2007. For the first time, Lancaster had a detailed study addressing the socioeconomic and educational status of Latinos in Lancaster County. This study became the blueprint for establishing grassroots movements.
With the published comprehensive report in hand and community support, Fran created and launched the Latino Empowerment Project (LEP). The one-week leadership awareness gathering grew into a five-week program with more than 100 graduates. She often reminisces about her reading assignment to LEP’s first class, Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. In the book he describes, “that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire.”
Fran’s “magic moment” was LEP’s class of 2015. “I realized how significant the Latino study was and the power of building community. I want the next generation to feel that magic,” she said.
Now, having worked at the Community Foundation in programs for over 10 years, Fran is leaving a legacy gift. The gift through the Community Foundation will support future data collection and impact studies that inspire and strengthen the vibrant local Latino community. “I want this gift to ignite hope, awareness, and generosity for the next generation of Latinos in Lancaster. I want the next generation to feel that magic.”
