Gabrielle Rodríguez ’23 Celebrates Diversity at Iona: ‘The world is very diverse and that’s what makes it beautiful.’
Name: Gabrielle Rodríguez
Hometown: Yonkers, New York
High School: St. Barnabas High School
Activities: O.L.A.S. Club President, Theatre Ensemble Stage Manager, Commuter Student Organization
Major: Arts Leadership (Concentration in Theatre)
Favorite Spots on Campus: Ryan Library and the Doorley Auditorium
Those who have a passion for sharing their culture and celebrating other people’s unique histories and traditions have the power to make the world a better place. Gabrielle Rodríguez ’23 is one of those people. As president of the Organization of Latinx American Students (O.L.A.S.), Gabrielle takes great pride in spreading acceptance across Iona’s campus while showcasing her own Puerto Rican heritage.
“The world is very diverse and that’s what makes it beautiful,” she said.
Growing up within a predominantly white middle school, however, Gabrielle’s journey to finding people that understood her culture did not come easily. Yet joining O.L.A.S. during her freshman year gave her a sense of community at Iona, and allowed her to express herself in a new campus environment.
Gabrielle is an Arts Leadership major with a concentration in theatre. With her parents both being in the medical field, she is the first in her family to pursue a future in the arts. Her appreciation for theatre and the arts allows her to express herself and provides new ways to showcase her culture, she said.
For Gabrielle, the feeling of connection and excitement that has blossomed through O.L.A.S. is important on many levels, and she invites anyone who may be interested – regardless of background – to share in that sense of community in a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment.
“I’m looking forward to growing our club,” she said. “I want it to be a safe space, and I want it to be a place of love.”