Rodriguez is a champion of LGBTQ youth, routinely going above and beyond in their role to ensure the safety and well-being of LGBTQ students throughout the Tampa Bay region. They currently serve as Equality Florida's Pinellas Safe and Health School Program Coordinator, providing trainings on LGBTQ best practices, policies and procedures to thousands of school staff. Additionally, Rodriguez has introduced policies that protect LGBTQ students and created community coalitions. Rodriguez has a unique ability to see everyone for who they are regardless of political or cultural backgrounds, and their deep empathy continues to leave an indelible mark on our community.
The grant tonight will be used to cover the essential costs for Equality Florida's Safe and Healthy Schools Program. This program is a pioneering, transformative project to end LGBTQ bias in schools. Equality Florida works closely with school leaders, as well as LGBTQ youth-serving agencies and local community leaders, to promote best practices and policies that ensure the safety and well-being of LGBTQ youth.
Rodriguez became the 481st Lightning Community Hero since Jeff and Penny Vinik introduced the Lightning Community Hero program in 2011-12 with a $10 million, five-season commitment to the Tampa Bay community. Through tonight's game, in total, the Lightning Foundation has granted $25.15 million to more than 600 unique nonprofits in the Greater Tampa Bay area. During the summer of 2021, the Viniks announced the community hero program will give away another $10 million over the next five seasons.
