Meet the Trailblazers of AFP Golden Gate #4 – August 2025

AFP Golden Gate Chapter
Trailblazers Column (August 2025)

Veronica Rodriguez serves as the Chief Development Director at Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS) in Half Moon Bay, bringing over 15 years of experience in Latino advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and strategic development. A founding board member of ALAS, Veronica has played a pivotal role in building the organization’s foundation and shaping its rise as a trusted and powerful force for equity and justice on the San Mateo County Coastside. Veronica’s commitment to uplifting the Latino community is reflected not only in her work at ALAS, but also in her broader advocacy. She has been a member of the Latino Community Foundation’s Peninsula Giving Circle for over a decade, channeling critical philanthropic investments to grassroots, Latino-led organizations across San Mateo County. She has also championed educational equity by actively supporting the Latino Alumni Association at the University of Southern California — strengthening networks of opportunity and leadership for future generations of Latinx students and professionals.

Her work continues to strengthen ALAS’s role as a bridge between community needs and meaningful investment: “I strongly believe in the power of collaboration to drive change. Donors, foundations, and community partners are important allies in building a shared vision rooted in healing, cultural pride, and justice.”

We caught up with Liz during her busy Summer!

“2025 has been about trailblazing new ground. After 13 years with Ploughshares Fund, working to rid the world of nuclear weapons, I left for a planned “re-wirement.” It was time to recharge my batteries, refill my emotional coffers, and pass the baton to a new leader with new energy and ideas for such a critical mission.

“I thought my re-wirement would take about 3 months, after which I would find an exciting new job to give my heart and head to. Did I mention that my departure also timed with the upheaval of the new administration? As I emerged from the silo of nuclear weapons and re-opened my aperture to the wider non-profit ecosystem, I was overwhelmed. There were tidal waves of change threatening nonprofits at so many levels.

“One of the meta questions I kept asking myself was: how can I best be of service to the nonprofit community right now; how can my skills and expertise help organizations navigate these seismic changes? I also allowed my heart and soul to guide me, listening deeply for what grounds me and what lights a fire in my belly.

“My journey continues, however I recently began consulting with a new startup organization in the climate/conservation space that uses film as a powerful tool for local communities to take back their narrative and call people to action. I’m also working toward a new certification as an interim executive director. My goal is to powerfully and compassionately assist nonprofits going through the major leadership transitions and change our field will see over the next few years.

“AFP continues to be a place where I find community and support. As a member since 1999 and former president of the Golden Gate chapter, I’m currently serving as co-chair for the mentor program and co-host of the Marin Constellation.

Oh, during my re-wirement, I also became a professional dog runner – helping dogs who need a little extra exercise while I train for a big race and feed my soul with animal love and lots of time on the trail.”

Are You a Trailblazer?
Are you a fundraising trailblazer in Northern California and a member of AFP Golden Gate? We want to hear from you! Tell us about your new job or job change. Are you a consultant with a new client or client success? Did you join a nonprofit Board? Did you recently receive a new fundraising certification? We invite you to submit your Fundraising Trailblazer story which will be reviewed by our editorial team. The submission is free and Chapter membership is required.