Meet Rodrigo Barraza! GFC’s Regional Co-Director for the Americas shares what drew him to GFC and why, after five years, he still believes this work is so important.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT WHERE YOU’RE FROM AND ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?

I am from a beautiful place called Querétaro, in the center of Mexico. I studied social anthropology, a career that allowed me to travel through Mexico and Latin America and fall in love with the region, even with its great contrasts. From a very young age, I became interested in social causes, working in grassroots organizations that support migrant communities and fight for gender justice. Thanks to that experience, I realized that even in the most difficult contexts there are incredible people trying to build hope every day.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY?

I have two memories that I hold very close to my heart. The first is that from a very young age I loved to walk and tour my city – it was a small and very safe place, so I could do it. Another one that is very important to me is spending time with my grandmother Miyaya, who told me stories, taught me how to take care of plants, and made me bougainvillea tea to control my asthma.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH GFC? WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS LINE OF WORK, AND WHY HAVE YOU STUCK AROUND?

I have been at GFC for five years. I was struck by a project that was just beginning and that aimed to support migrant girls and adolescents. I had experience in this area, and I really liked that the approach was not focused on seeing migrant girls and adolescents as victims, but rather recognized their role as agents of change.

I like that GFC has a vision focused on change; that it builds human and trusting relationships with its partner organizations; that it is internally consistent; and that, as a team member, it makes you feel cared for and listened to. At GFC, I have always felt that my contribution is important.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB? WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SATISFYING?

The most challenging part has to do with working remotely and at the same time feeling like you are part of a global team. However, I think GFC has done a great job of making the whole team feel included. The part that I enjoy the most is being close to partner organizations, co-creating with them, and seeing that – sometimes with limited resources – they launch creative responses that generate wellbeing in their communities.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE GFC’S WORK IS IMPORTANT?

I remember that when I worked in grassroots organizations, I felt that relationships with donors were always vertical, that they imposed what should be done, and that they really did not know our work. It was like having many bosses at the same time.

I think it is essential to transform and challenge power within philanthropy. It is important that grassroots organizations feel that they have real support and that someone understands them and is sensitive to the problems they face. GFC has done a great job trying to generate horizontal relationships based on trust and community.

#Fun Facts About Rodrigo

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY GROWING UP?

I loved the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. On one occasion, my aunt went to the United States and brought me a talking figure of Raphael. He became my favorite toy almost immediately. Although I also liked to play with trains and put together puzzles.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?

I always wanted to be an astronaut or explorer. I wanted to travel the world and be surprised by all its wonders.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?

I like to exercise, travel, and read. And I really enjoy playing with my cat, Clementina, who is a little crazy, but she is a lot of fun.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS?

Yes, a cat named Clementina. And we have a very old dog that belongs to the family. His name is Lucho and he lives with my mom. I also love him very much and enjoy spending time with him.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I would very much like to be able to travel in time so I could see how people lived in ancient times and witness important historical events. And, inspired by going back to the future, maybe I could play the lottery.