A voice for inclusion

As a first-year student, Derek Rodriguez ’27 found himself guided by mentors who pushed him outside of his comfort zone — pushes that ultimately led him to become an advocate for social justice and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at St. Joe’s. 

Rodriguez, who stands out for his bubbling charisma, was born and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He currently holds multiple student leadership positions at St. Joe’s, including University Student Senate BeCivil chair, BeCivil co-president, Latin Student Association’s vice president and secretary, Justice & Society club founder, orientation leader, Hawk Host tour guide and a brother of Alpha Kappa Psi, the co-ed professional business fraternity. 

Rodriguez attributed much of his leadership and drive for social justice advocacy to his mentors, particularly Eshika Attri ’26, who encouraged him to run for Student Senate when he participated in the Running Start early arrival program.  

“I never really was involved in high school other than sports, so I want to do something bigger and just have a role in the community,” Rodriguez said. 

After taking the initial leap to become involved in Student Senate, Rodriguez felt his passion for advocacy grow in all the spaces he was a part of.  

“I just fell in love with the community and helping out with not only social justice topics but also anything I can,” Rodriguez said. 

Chloe Palm-Rittle ’26, secretary of diversity, equity & inclusion for Student Senate, said when it comes to Rodriguez’s efforts as a representative, he is someone who exemplifies the mission of DEI at St. Joe’s. 

“If I could name one person to completely describe DEI on campus, inclusion, it would definitely be Derek,” Palm-Rittle said. 

Palm-Rittle said Rodriguez “really has a pulse on what’s happening in the student body,” making him an exemplary Student Senate representative. 

Attri, co-president of BeCivil alongside Rodriguez, said Rodriguez’s authenticity is what makes him stand out as a leader in DEI, especially during BeCivil workshops, which often result in difficult conversations.

“He doesn’t adopt a one-shoe-fits-all mentality,” Attri said. “He puts in the time to make sure that [an issue] gets broken down, difficult conversations become consumable.” 

Attri said Rodriguez possesses a unique ability to foster welcoming spaces during these kinds of discussions. 

“When Derek presents, it’s not like, ‘Oh, he’s in a serious tone, and he’s wearing a suit and tie and there’s no room for mistakes,’” Attri said. “He is very humble when he talks, and it really clears the air and allows for participation. It makes people feel comfortable.” 

Rodriguez said having a voice and connecting with St. Joe’s faculty and students are incredibly valuable to him.

“If something [bad] happens around campus, making sure that the communities around you are okay and just making awareness of it, that’s really important for me,” Rodriguez said. 

Another campus group special to Rodriguez is the Latin Student Association, an organization he said felt like “home.”   

Ashley Morales ’25, president of LSA, said Rodriguez took on the vice president and secretary  positions due to the small number of people who ran for board positions during the last academic year. Morales said Rodriguez “took it upon himself” to fill in where it was needed. 

“He’s one of the most passionate people that I’ve ever met,” Morales said. “Once he has a goal, he does anything and everything to succeed that goal.” 

Morales said Rodriguez’s passion and charisma make other students feel welcome.

“He’s a natural-born leader,” Morales said. “He always wants his actions and his words to show, and he has such a drive to help others.”  

During the next academic year, Rodriguez said he hopes to expand BeCivil’s initiatives, talk about DEI more freely on campus and map out the Justice & Society club’s objectives. Long-term, Rodriguez said he’d like to possibly obtain a master’s degree after his undergraduate career at St. Joe’s. 

Rodriguez said that regardless of what his future will look like, he will “definitely keep on going advocating for topics that need to be talked about.”

When it comes to St. Joe’s, faculty, students and administration can support DEI efforts by bringing awareness to the issues and being upfront, Rodriguez said.

“Addressing the problems straight away and not letting them go to the side provides a lot of closure but also comfortability and a safe net for the minorities here on campus,” Rodriguez said.  

Rodriguez added that it’s important to take into account how DEI is constantly evolving and focus on those who need support. 

“Being aware of what’s changing and taking actionable steps to do what needs to be done, making sure that everyone’s represented and feels safe here, I think it’s something anyone could provide awareness for,” Rodriguez said. 

Kiley O’Brien ’25 contributed to this story.