Life & Work with Fatima Djelmane Rodriguez of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fatima Djelmane Rodriguez.

Hi Fatima, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Looking back, the throughline in my life has always been service. My mom often reminds me that I was the kid who wanted to help, organize, and show up. By high school, I knew I wanted to make a difference in my community. What I didn’t yet know was what form that would take.

Growing up, I was keenly aware that opportunity is not evenly distributed. That awareness led me to study Communications at USC and later pursue a graduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin in Radio, Television, and Film, where my work focused on Latino youth and representation in media. I was drawn to storytelling because I saw how it could shape identity, belonging, and possibility—especially for young people who rarely see themselves reflected.

I initially thought I would take that passion into academia, but I realized I wanted to be closer to the work and the people—to turn ideas into action and impact in real time. That realization brought me to the nonprofit sector, where I found purpose in building organizations that center people, culture, and community.

Becoming a mother further shaped my leadership, deepening my understanding of vulnerability and resilience and how profoundly a child’s wellbeing affects an entire family. That perspective is central to my role today as CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California, where we support families navigating the stress of a child’s serious illness by keeping them close to care and to one another.

My path hasn’t been linear, but it’s been intentional. Each chapter—student, storyteller, leader, mother—has reinforced my belief that leading with empathy and purpose is how lasting change is built.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I’ve learned as much from the hard moments as I have from the wins.

Like many people in mission-driven work, I’ve had to navigate spaces that weren’t built with leaders like me in mind. As a Latina and a woman, there are times when I feel pressure to over perform, to prove credibility, or to quiet parts of myself to fit expectations. Learning to lead authentically—to trust my instincts and my voice—has been a process, not a given.

Professionally, some of the most challenging periods have come during times of transition and uncertainty. Leading organizations through change—whether that’s growth, restructuring, or moments of crisis—requires balancing empathy with decisiveness, and people-first values with very real operational and financial constraints. Those moments are uncomfortable, but they’re also where leadership is tested and shaped.

On a personal level, balancing motherhood with executive leadership has been both grounding and demanding. There’s no clear roadmap for doing both well, and there have been seasons where the weight of responsibility felt heavy. What helped was learning to ask for support from my husband, family and friends, build strong teams, and let go of the idea that leadership requires doing everything yourself.

Looking back, the road hasn’t been smooth—but it’s been meaningful. Every challenge sharpened my clarity about who I am as a leader and what kind of culture I want to build. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about pushing through at all costs; it’s about staying anchored to purpose, even when the path is uncertain.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At its core, my work is about building organizations that serve people well—both the families we support and the teams doing the work.

As CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California, I oversee a multi-site organization that sits at the intersection of healthcare, housing, and family support. We provide a home-away-from-home for families with critically ill children, along with wraparound services that reduce stress and help families stay close to care. My role spans strategy, culture, fundraising, and partnerships, but my specialization is leading through complexity—aligning mission, people, and systems so organizations can grow sustainably without losing their heart.

I’m known for being both people-centered and outcomes-driven. I believe culture is not a “soft” issue—it’s a strategic one. I invest deeply in teams, clarity, and trust, especially during periods of transition or change. I’m also known for my ability to bring diverse stakeholders together—boards, staff, donors, healthcare partners, and community leaders—around a shared vision.

What I’m most proud of is helping guide organizations through moments of transition while strengthening morale, stability, and impact at the same time. Whether it’s rebuilding trust, reimagining strategy, or supporting leaders and teams through burnout and growth, I take pride in leaving organizations healthier than I found them.

What sets me apart is that I lead with both lived experience and professional rigor. As a Latina CEO and a mother, I bring a grounded, empathetic perspective to leadership—but I pair that with a strong focus on accountability, sustainability, and excellence. I’m deeply values-driven, but also clear-eyed about what it takes to build resilient institutions that can serve communities for the long term.

Ultimately, I want my work to reflect the same thing our families deserve: dignity, care, and a sense that they’re not alone.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that may surprise people is how intentional I am about personal growth, self-care, and the relationships that ground me. While my role requires me to be visible and decisive, I’m naturally reflective and do a lot of my best thinking in quiet moments—long walks or runs, taking time to reflect and pray, and time set aside to reset.

I’m deeply committed to self-growth and believe that how we lead professionally is inseparable from how we care for ourselves personally. I regularly listen to voices like Mel Robbins and participate in women-centered self-development spaces, including workshops and groups like *Goddess Fix Your Crown*. Those spaces have helped me build confidence, stay grounded, and lead with clarity—especially in high-responsibility roles.

Equally important to me is quality time with my family. My husband, Lucio, is my best friend, thought partner, and the best dad to our girls, and we’re intentional about protecting time together—whether that’s short weekend getaways or regular date nights. And then there are my little queens. My girls are always watching, and I’m deeply aware that they learn far more from what I do than what I say. That awareness shapes how I live, how I lead, and how I show up in the world.

I want them to see a woman who values growth, boundaries, purpose, faith and joy—who works hard, loves deeply, and takes care of herself and her people. Personal growth, strong relationships, and presence aren’t side priorities for me; they’re foundational. That inner work is what allows me to lead with empathy, resilience, and intention.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rmhcsc.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rmhcsc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RMHCSC
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ronald-mcdonald-house-charities-of-southern-california