The Hopeworks board of directors grew by one member recently, as it was announced that Lou Rodriguez has joined.

Rodriguez is the CEO and founder of Rodriguez Consulting LLC.

Founded in 2007, the award-winning professional engineering and land surveying firm provides innovative engineering and geospatial solutions to strengthen our nation’s infrastructure and improve our natural resources. 

Rodriguez has over 30 years of experience as a professional engineer, focused primarily on water infrastructure and geographic information systems (GIS). 

Prior to launching Rodriguez Consulting LLC, he worked at the Philadelphia Water Department as a civil engineer in its Design Branch and eventually became the Department’s first GIS Program Manager.

Rodriguez has shown a passion for regional economic development, workforce development, and educational equity throughout his career.

Those passions are what have led him to his newest board role with Hopeworks. 

“We are lucky to have Lou Rodriguez… as our newest board member! Lou has been a long time supporter and partner of our work and we know he will provide valuable insight to our mission,” said Hopeworks in a Linkedin post. 

Hopeworks is a Camden-based nonprofit organization focused on skill development, real-world job experience, and trauma-informed care and aims to propel young adults into long-term wage careers that put them on the path to healing and financial stability. 

In October 2022, the organization made headlines when it announced plans to expand into Philadelphia, with a new office opening in Kensington just before the end of last year. 

Hopeworks’ mission ties closely into Rodriguez’s other creation. 

In addition to founding Rodriguez Consulting LLC, Rodriguez is also the founder of Rodriguez University.

A division of Rodriguez Consulting, Rodriguez University was created to promote career opportunities in the infrastructure industry and provide workforce development programs that target entry-level jobs in civil engineering and land surveying. 

As a Hispanic entrepreneur, Rodriguez is also heavily involved with the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He is a current board member of the Hispanic Chamber, after having served 6 years as its board chair from 2015 to 2021. 

Rodriguez is also a board member of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. In 2017, he joined the Board of Trustees for Widener University — his alma mater — where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. 

He is also an AL DÍA Archetype alum, having been named to the honor in the Business category in 2020.

Rodriguez’s introduction now brings the Hopeworks board of directors to 10 members.