Name: Sergio Rodriguez

Position for which you are a candidate: Elgin Community College 509 Board

 

Why are you seeking this position?

I am running to maintain my seat on the Board of Trustees for the Community College District 509 because I am passionate about the role Elgin Community College plays in providing accessible and affordable education to a diverse student body. I believe that community colleges are the backbone of our communities, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth to individuals from all walks of life. ECC allowed me to grow personally and professionally as an adult learner, working full-time, after returning home from four-years of active duty in the United States Marine Corps.

What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?

I am uniquely qualified to continue serving as an ECC Trustee based on my personal, military, educational, professional, and volunteer experience. I’ve lived in the District 509 Community for most of my life. I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, after graduating from Dundee Crown High School, where I excelled and gained valuable skills in leadership, self-discipline, ethics, integrity, adaptability, and service.

I attended ECC, while working full-time, where I graduated with High Honors and as a member of Phi Theta Kappa. I transferred to NIU to continue my education and earned my Bachelor’s degree. I have continued to hone my leadership skills and gained numerous organizational, governance, and fiscal skills during my 20-year career at KCT Credit Union. Additionally, I’ve come to understand and value the importance of building consensus to achieve collaborative outcomes and to value the input of all stakeholders in decision-making.

I’ve continued my community involvement by volunteering my time and skills to Centro de Información for over 12 years and have also served on their Board of Directors for the past 8, the last 6 as Board President. I’ve also donated my time as a member of the City of Elgin’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee from 2018-2020 and continue to support the Elgin Marine Corps League’s annual Toys for Tots campaign since 2003.

My lived experience allows me to bring many skills and characteristics to the table as an ECC Trustee.

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

If elected, I will champion the continuation of providing multiple educational offerings for the jobs of today and tomorrow with strong community ties dedicated to innovation and workforce development. I want to make sure that all individuals have an opportunity “to improve people’s lives through learning” whether in a traditional educational degree or technical/vocational skill such as HVAC, welding, truck driving, etc. I also want to ensure that ECC continues its leader status as one of the top community colleges in the country that values an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

 

I am particularly motivated by the issue of student success. I believe that every student should have the support and resources they need to achieve their academic and career goals, regardless of their background or financial situation. I am committed to continue working with the college administration, faculty, staff, and community partners to ensure that our students have the best possible experience and that they are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century workforce.

 

Will you be attending the Candidate Night?  Yes

 

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