Miguel Rodriguez
Miguel Rodriguez, Director of Community Standards and Student Advocacy, and Ian James, Director of Student Athlete Success and Community Engagement, will receive the Changemakers 30 Under 30 Award during the organization’s 11th annual awards celebration in April.
Founded by Jamil Crews in association with the Urban League of Buffalo, the Changemakers 30 Under 30 Awards spotlight the accomplishments of young professionals in Western New York who are making an impact in their careers and in the community. Awards are presented in several categories including business and entrepreneurship, community and political engagement, arts and entertainment, and education.
Ian James
Rodriguez received the honor in the education category for his work at Daemen as well as in the community. He serves as advisor for the Hispanic student association at Daemen called Hispanos y Latinos Unidos and also volunteers with the university’s Dare 2 Dream program for male students of color. “I am grateful to Daemen for allowing me to be creative in my position and supporting initiatives that engage members of the community,” Rodriguez says. “I am able to put in the work and extra effort and it means a lot to be recognized for it.”
James also received the honor in the education category, recognizing his work overseeing the academic performance of student-athletes at Daemen. He serves as a liaison between athletics and various campus departments related to student health and well-being, academic support, and career services. In addition, James also plays an integral role in planning and executing various community service and volunteer initiatives. “It is an honor to be nominated by my colleagues for this award and I thank them for the recognition,” James notes. “Working with our student-athletes is very rewarding and an award like this motivates me even more to support their success.”
This is the 11th year for the Changemakers 30 Under 30 Awards, to be presented on Saturday, April 15, at 7 p.m. at Shea’s 710 Theatre in Buffalo, N.Y.