For over 20 years, Rodrigo has worked in service of Social Action Through the Arts and Creative Youth Development. Serving in all manner of administrative and advocacy roles in his native Venezuela, he was an integral piece of the international musical and educational phenomenon El Sistema, where he closely worked creating partnerships and cooperation opportunities with arts organizations in five continents, connecting government efforts and grassroots movements in countless countries to the philosophy of El Sistema’s founder, Maestro Jose Antonio Abreu.
After relocating to the US in 2015, he served as Creative Youth Development Program Manager for the Massachusetts Cultural Council, working closely with over 90 programs across the state, providing technical assistance and direct consultation services to strengthen the growing field of practice. From 2021 to 2023 he took the the role of Program Director to Boston BEAM, a Mellon Foundation funded partnership of Community Music School of Boston, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, New England Conservatory of Music and Project Step, committed to create professional pathways for students self-identifying as part of groups traditionally excluded of the field of classical music.
A fierce advocate for Arts role in communities and education, Rodrigo sits and collaborates with organizations in multiple capacities, as a freelance consultant and advisor, as well as board service in MassCreative, advocating for state investment in arts organizations, and El Sistema USA, a national network of El Sistema Inspired programs and professionals striving to bring high quality music education to all children high-quality music education and celebrating their voice and potential.
