Christina Rodriguez is the Executive Director of Mom’s House of Toledo where she has served for 16 years. In that time the organization has flourished and exceeded many milestones including raising almost $10 million, developing several new programs, and she has led a team in developing a 5 Star Rated Early Learning Center which puts them in the top 10% in the State of Ohio. She has led the effort of positioning her organization as leaders in the local nonprofit sector.
Currently, Christina serves as a Commissioner on a State of Ohio MLK Jr. Holiday Commission in which she was appointed by Governor DeWine. She also serves on the Lucas County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board and the Lucas County Fatherhood Coalition. Her experience included a term where she was appointed to the Human Relations Commission by the Mayor of Toledo and Toledo City Council as the co-chair for the Equality and Social Justice Committee.
Christina’s passion for mentoring runs deep as she has mentored dozens of young men and women out of their challenging journey and into their sustainable purpose. She has volunteered in the past for Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Martin Luther King Kitchen for the Poor, Cherry Street Mission, her local church, and many more organizations.
Christina has been serving the Toledo community for over 25 years. She sees her community work as a calling and not just a career. Her transparent life story and straight forward approach are a platform for her to connect with people from all parts of our community. Christina was born to a young teen mom and her father was a high-ranking gang member in West Chicago. Christina’s start in life has driven her passion for young mothers and children and has ultimately helped her bring sustainable change and generational impact into the Toledo community.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love to see lives being transformed. I love to see someone who had to pull themselves out of the gutter and create a new life with our help.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
DeAndre Gaston, formally incarcerated young man who has turned his life into a beautiful example of forgiveness, change, and giving back.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Spain. My sister used to live there before she moved to Germany and I had a trip planned but found out I had breast cancer and was unable to go. When I go, it will be cancer free and an even better experience!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Bring your authentic to every situation. Being your true authentic self means what you say in life aligns with what your actions. Your authentic self goes beyond what you do for a living, what possessions you own, or who you are to someone. It is who you are at your deepest core.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To travel Europe.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Nicky Cruz. He was a kingpin gang leader who turned his life around and used his life to travel the world and bring change to the lives of other gang members through the love of Jesus. My personal reason is because my father was also a Kingpin for a gang in Chicago and at one point in his life he met Nicky Cruz. I would have him to my home for lunch.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I have the honor of seeing the generosity of our community everyday that turns their time, talent, and treasure into change in our community.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I would say our cultural experiences in Toledo. The Toledo Metroparks, Toledo Zoo, Toledo Art Museum.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace. Comfort. Family.
