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At 25 years old, Anna Rodriguez '03 was one of the youngest assistant vice presidents of Bank of America. She made the jump to nonprofit just before the unexpected economic crash of 2008. Her nonprofit came out swinging, but that wasn’t the first time she beat the odds.

Born in the Bachman Lake neighborhood of Dallas, Ana Rodriguez spoke exclusively Spanish as a child. She was raised by a single mother from Peru whose hard work and compassion inspired Ana. She learned English from the nuns at her Catholic elementary. She earned a scholarship to attend Ursuline Academy, one of Dallas’s premier private schools for girls, and from there went to SMU.

As a Mustang, Ana balanced working fulltime and taking a full load of classes. At first she didn’t feel like she fit in, but eventually, through some “incredible teachers” she learned to find her own voice.

After graduating in 2003, she quickly climbed the ranks in global investment and wealth management at Bank of America to become one its youngest assistant vice presidents. After four years with the company, a very compelling, powerful and passionate woman invited Ana to take a very different path that eventually led her back to SMU where she is now Managing Director, Latino Leadership Initiative in the Cox School of Business.

At LLI, Rodriguez says, “We help companies encourage minority employees to find their voices and just be authentic, rather than to assimilate. I fell in love with that mission.”

We wanted to know more about Ana’s career change decision. Here’s what she had to say.

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Why and how did you decide to make the leap from corporate America to the nonprofit sphere?

I was approached by the amazing Anita N. Martinez. A national legend, Anita Martinez was the first Hispanic elected to serve as a Dallas City Council member and the first Hispanic woman elected into the City Council of a major United States city. She needed a new Executive Director to run her non-profit arts organization, the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico (ANMBF), and wanted someone with a business background. I was familiar with their work since I had volunteered with the nonprofit multiple times in high school and college and loved their mission. 

I was just unsure I had the experience needed to run an entire organization at the age of 25. But, Anita would not take NO for an answer. Her confidence and belief in me truly inspired me to take the leap from public to the private sector.

Was there a moment when you knew it was time for a change? Had it been your plan all along?

There was definitely never a plan.  It was all trial by fire. A few months after I made the move, the economic downturn of 2008 severely impacted donations and charitable contributions. Luckily, we were able to navigate tumultuous times and expand our services to help even more students.

Did you struggle with the decision?

It was all very surreal and happened very fast. I couldn’t believe I was responsible for the fundraising and operations of a non-profit. SMU Cox provided me with the business and leadership skills needed to lead an organization - whether they be for profit or nonprofit.

Were there certain pros and/or cons to the corporate path vs the nonprofit path that were top of mind?

The mission-driven core of the organization was a big motivator for me. Mrs. Martinez established the ANMBF to help improve the low self-esteem she gradually noticed amongst Hispanic youth and increase their level of educational attainment. She believed that by educating Hispanic youth on the significance of their culture through the performing arts, they would gain vital acumen that would lead to an increased enthusiasm to aspire and pursue educational advancement. I found my time at ANMBF deeply gratifying.

Did you participate in the arts as a dancer?

Interestingly enough, no. I’ve never danced, but I did live in Mary Hay my freshman year. Living in a community full of dancers, artists and musicians taught me so much about cultural appreciation and their dedication to their art form.  

Are you still involved with ANMBF?

Yes, I still attend their live performances to support their mission.

Do you have other nonprofits that remain near and dear to your hear?

Yes! I am on the board for , a nonprofit dedicated to building stronger communities by empowering parents to improve the education and health of their families, and Founded in 1996, TOPACHIEVERS is a Plano faith-based sports development, leadership and academic support organization.