Nando Rodriguez

The Brotherhood Sister Sol Hub Advocate

Nando was born and raised in New York City’s Lower East Side, but also lived for several years in the Dominican Republic. Early in high school, Nando struggled with his academics and a lack of self-confidence, but in 1995 he joined The Brotherhood’s Knowledge of Self Chapter, becoming a founding youth member of the organization, and also participated with a group called Open Road of New York, an environmental program that engages youth in garden and park design projects in economically disadvantaged communities.

Nando graduated from East Side Community High School with many awards and honors, crediting his academic and personal success to the skills and self-confidence he gained through his involvement in BroSis and Open Road. Nando earned a B.A. in Liberal Studies with a minor in Environmental Science from the State University of New York at Purchase College while maintaining his involvement with community work, participating in student organizations and often taking leadership roles.

Upon graduating, he received from the college the Highest Community Service Award. In the fall of 2007 Nando was presented with the Urban Star Award by the Catalog for Giving at their annual Gala, only the second recognition given by the Catalog to a previous recipient of their Urban Hero Award.

Email: [email protected]