Director of Neighborhood Initiatives for Lake Shore Campus

 

Cecilia Rodriguez serves as the Director of Neighborhood Initiatives at Loyola University Chicago, where she leads efforts to build and sustain partnerships that foster growth and community empowerment in surrounding neighborhoods. With over a decade of experience in community engagement and development, Cecilia is dedicated to advancing initiatives aligned with Loyola’s commitment to fostering a strong and inclusive community.

In her role, Cecilia oversees programs addressing local priorities, such as economic development, workforce development, educational opportunities, and corridor planning. She has been instrumental in launching impactful initiatives like Ramblin' Around, a program that includes an annual guide publication, the First-Year Dinner Crawl, business showcases, and a directory of student discounts. These initiatives are designed to help students connect with and appreciate the neighborhoods surrounding Loyola's campuses—Edgewater, Rogers Park, Maywood, and the Gold Coast—each known for its vibrant mix of cultures, restaurants, and local businesses.

Beyond her work at Loyola, Cecilia serves on the Board of Directors for the Rogers Park Business Alliance and the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce. In these roles, she collaborates closely with local business leaders to promote economic development and community resilience, advocating for neighborhood businesses and fostering partnerships that align with Loyola’s values. As Board Treasurer, Cecilia plays a key role in overseeing financial planning and ensuring the fiscal health of the organizations.

Before joining Loyola, Cecilia was the Campus Director of Operations for a neighborhood charter school, overseeing a 175,000-square-foot facility that housed two elementary schools and one high school. In this role, she managed the school’s budget, expense accounts, fundraising, and grant compliance, while ensuring attendance compliance for 1,720 students and 110 staff members. Cecilia also brings a strong financial background from her time working with various financial institutions, where she provided tailored financial solutions and advised clients on economic products and investment options.

Known for her collaborative approach and strategic insight, Cecilia effectively bridges university resources with community needs, supporting sustainable development and strengthening the Rogers Park and Edgewater communities.