Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariela Rodriguez.
Hi Mariela, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Building connections between passionate individuals and worthwhile causes is my passion. I enjoy helping nonprofits increase their capacity to serve the community by raising their brand awareness.
I grew up in Laredo, Texas, and have a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Texas A&M International University and a Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Analytics from St. Edward’s University.
I began my career as an Editorial Assistant and eventually Staff Writer for the Latina-owned publication LareDOS: A Journal of The Borderlands. Ultimately, the magazine closed, and I relocated to Austin, Texas.
I served in an AmeriCorps program called Literacy First 2014-2016. During my service, I discovered the importance of children developing reading skills to realize their full potential. I also gained a deeper understanding of the persistent disparities in the community and the rich nonprofit culture created to address these disparities.
I began volunteering with BookSpring and learned the importance of book choice and its impact on a child’s motivation to read. So much research supports the notion that getting books directly to kids and motivating them to read is a game-changer in their overall long-term success. I fell in love with BookSpring’s mission and I’ve been part of the team since 2016.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have had many obstacles and opportunities in my life which I am grateful to have experienced. I have always valued education. Education helped me break a cycle of poverty. My mother was a migrant worker who dropped out of high school. Cancer denied her the opportunity to accomplish her goal of obtaining her GED at the age of 48. My father immigrated to the United States from Mexico as a child and, to this day, struggles with English. Growing up, I was keenly aware that things were not easy. I remember the kindness my family received through our struggles, which left a lasting impact on me. It shaped me into the person I am today. I am a firm believer in building one another up. I believe in the power of community. People coming together to help others access what they need to succeed. It was my community that helped build me up. My educators and mentors guided me down the path I am on today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I manage the marketing, public relations, social media, and internal communications at BookSpring. My main goal is to build public awareness of the importance of early literacy skills and engage children and adults in reading and reading aloud.
I am proud to be a part of a nonprofit that is data-driven and research-oriented. BookSpring’s decisions on programming and services always include discussions on how to provide equitable service for children and families in a meaningful way. Not to mention what the latest research on book ownership, literacy, and child development supports. Forming long-lasting partnerships with healthcare providers, educators, and other nonprofits working directly with children and families is how BookSpring can distribute 180,000 books to 60,000 children throughout Central Texas.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
HubSpot has a phenomenal marketing blog that I love! There is no B2B or B2C, Human to Human: H2H by Bryan Kramer changed my perspective on best marketing practices.
Contact Info:
- Email: communications@bookspring.org
- Website: https://www.bookspring.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookspringatx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bookspringatx
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bookspringatx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BookspringOrg_TX/featured
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bookspring-austin
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookspringatx?lang=en
Image Credits
Photos by BookSpring
