Born in Santa Barbara and raised in Carpinteria, Graciela Rodriguez learned at an early age the value of community involvement and cultural awareness. Ms. Rodriguez went to Canalino and Main school during her elementary years. She attended Carpinteria Middle School, where she was captain of the cheerleading squad and student body president. In 1998, she graduated from Carpinteria High School with honors and was one of the few Latinas to continue in her eduation. In high school she participated in cheerleading and was captain on the color guard and soccer team. One of her greatest accomplishments was being chosen “Most Likely to Succeed” by peers. Other accomplishments include being chosen as National Scholar from Girls Incorporated and receiving $10,000 toward costs to attend UCSB.

Ms. Rodriguez graduated from UCSB in 2002.  She received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Spanish. She was awarded the “Senior Excellence” and “Outstanding Greek Woman of the Year”. She has dedicated her passion to helping youth become “Strong, Smart and Bold” the motto she learned at Girls Inc. Ms. Rodriguez says, “You cannot go through life without making mistakes. It’s what you learn from those mistakes and what you do with the knowledge that really counts.” As a result of the connections she has made with Girls Inc.and the community, Ms. Rodriguez has  published her essay, “Breaking the Model,” in Body Outlaws I and II, and in Adios Barbie, Edited Ophira Edut and published by Seal Press. McGraw-Hill will publish the  essay in Women: Images & Realities A Multicultural Anthology, 4th edition by Amy Kesselman, Lily D. McNair and Nancy Schniedewind in November 2006. Most importantly, Ms. Rodriguez learned to give back what was given to her. Ms. Rodriguez received her credential and Master's in Multiple Subject Education at Azusa Pacific University and is finishing up her second Master's in Special Education.

Ms. Rodriguez has been a part of the Cesar Chavez Family/Team since 2002. She started her experience assisting in the classroom and then became a teacher intern. In 2005 she began teaching second grade as the Spanish model. Not only does she strive to teach academic excellence, but also teaches her students the importance of accepting themselves for who they are while striving to be their best. In her future she would like to  pursue her  passion for children’s literature and hopes to publish a book of her own.