Any one would say that there were all sorts of reasons why she should have given up her dream to get an education. But then they would not know Reverend Delphine Rodriguez. She carved success out of the stones of adversity. She did what it took to make things happen in her life with and for others. She moved forward with a power within, a power fueled by her unwavering faith. I read about Rev. Rodriguez in the inspiring book, “48 Women: Arizona’s Most Intriguing Women” (Authors, Joy Johnson and Connie Robinson). Because of the way her story was told, I asked to meet her and then after speaking with her, to be an honoree of the Positively Powerful Woman Awards June 5th. She brings the mission to life: “Celebrate the accomplishments of women in ways that inspire all people to live their dreams.”
Delphine was born and raised on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. Originally, one of six children, her mother would later take in six additional nieces and nephews. There wasn’t much money or many resources but the family survived the best way that they could. Her mother believed strongly in education and it would eventually become important to Delphine as well. After leaving school in the 9th grade, she returned to obtain her GED. She took classes at a community college with a dream of earning a degree. That dream was fulfilled when she earned a bachelor’s and then a master’s degree in Education from Northern Arizona University. Her zest for education is now shared as the principal of the Alternative School for the San Carlos Unified School District.
Rev. Delphine Rodriguez’s passion, driven by her faith, is sharing the word of God. She is a minister whose ministry includes serving incarcerated women. She believes that every person has the potential to succeed. She knows with God’s help that she can help and encourage women whether they are young and old, whether they are incarcerated or not.
Delphine serves her community by working with First Things First and serving as a jail minister since 1995. “When they think they can’t do it, I tell them how I had to go back to school when I was 38 years old, and I started taking computer classes,” said Delphine. “Every job I applied for, they asked me if I had any computer skills. I started taking classes to learn how to use a computer. When the women feel like they can’t do it, I tell them what a lot of prayer, determination and hard work will do.” Delphine also pastors her own church which is in her living room. She is proud to be an active member of First Things First, an organization that “partners with parents and communities to give all Arizona children the opportunity to arrive at kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed” (Source).
What are you passionate about? Are you utilizing your leadership gifts effectively? Are you a motivator of people? Join us for personal, professional and business collaborations and success strategies, June 5 at the 8th Annual Positively Powerful Woman Awards Luncheon and Leadership Conference. Our Spiritual Leadership honoree, Rev. Rodriguez will join five phenomenal honorees who will receive the 2015 Awards. In addition, our speakers of the day will inspire you to take your dreams to the next level. The day begins at 8 a.m. and will be held at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix. Click here for more information and to register.
Positively Powerful Woman Awards & Conference Sponsors: Southwest Airlines, Salt River Project (SRP), Arizona State University, Southwest Gas, Desert Botanical Garden, Henkel of North America, City of Scottsdale, National Bank of Arizona, The Whitaker Group, Rev. Sheriolyn Curry-Lasley & The Terraces of Phoenix, ABHOW. Produced by Dr. Joel Martin, President. Triad West Inc.
