Nydia Padilla-Rodriguez

Nydia Padilla-Rodriguez is a retired administrator of the Rochester City School District. During her 35-year career in education, community advocacy and dance, she has worked with thousands of youth to create and help them gain access to life-building opportunities in the arts, academics, culture and leadership development.

Ms. Padilla-Rodriguez began her career at Action For A Better Community before working for the Rochester City School District. Her influence on young people living in the Rochester area is extensive and deeply admired by the community.
 
She has volunteered for many community organizations over the last 35 years, including Memorial Art Gallery Hispanic Family Day, ABC Project Unique, Wilson Commencement Park, WDKX Women’s Conference Planning Committee, Ibero Hispanic Scholars, and many others. 

A firm believer in leadership by example, Ms. Padilla-Rodriguez has an extensive list of both professional and community roles including, but not limited to: an original member of the world-renowned Garth Fagan Dance Company (formerly known as Bottom of the Bucket, But!), a founding member of the “Go Green Scholarship Fund” to support RCSD students participating in golf, a founding member of the Latinas Unidas, a founding member of the former Red Cross middle and high school Hispanic Leadership Development programs (merged into a high school leadership development program), and helping raise funds for programs like the RCSD UW Campaign, and for students to attend international basketball games.

Additionally, Ms. Padilla-Rodriguez has earned a wide variety of accolades and awards, including the Geva Theatre Essie Calhoun Diversity in the Arts Award, the Memorial Art Gallery Community Art Award, the Ibero American Action League Alicia Torres Award, the Latinas Unidas Leadership Award, and many others.

Ms. Padilla-Rodriguez earned her Certificate degree in Educational Administration, Master of Science in Education and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Elementary Education and Dance at Brockport State University.

Ms. Padilla-Rodriguez continues to devote her time and energy to young people through her endless hours of work and leadership. She has nurtured and influenced the lives of countless youth and their families.