Jesus Angel Rodriguez is from Huntington Park in Los Angeles, California, and is passionate about helping former or current foster youth. Angel dedicates his time to working with programs such as the Bruin Guardian Scholars which provide academic and financial resources to foster and homeless youth, and Swipe Out Hunger where he helps to end food insecurity on campus.

Believing that everyone deserves a chance at pursuing their ambitions, Angel channels his passion into action through NFYI, focusing on educational assistance for foster youth. Outside of NFYI, he is also involved in student government where he is the Director of Community Relations for UCLA’s General Representative, working to strengthen connections and advocate for resource based organizations. He also works with the External Vice President’s office with which he goes on lobbying trips to the State Capital, presenting bills that aim towards uplifting marginalized communities on campus.

Beyond his advocacy work, Angel enjoys embracing his culture. Growing up his grandma taught him how to cook, so he now loves sharing traditional recipes and enjoying warm meals with friends. He was also taught to garden fruits and vegetables, learning the importance of sustaining growth. Living by the quote: “A flower blooms brightest under the sun and with gardener’s tender love,” Angel hopes to help others grow to their fullest potential.

Through the Congressional Leadership Academy, he hopes to gain knowledge on the process of effectively passing policies at the federal level, how to establish strong relationships with Members of Congress to continue the work after the program, and how to help push others impacted by the foster system to use their voice for advocacy.