Local Advisory Committee (LAC) Member Highlight: Daniel Rodriguez

Originally from East Los Angeles, Daniel Rodriguez is a Portfolio Management Officer in the Community Development Banking Group with Bank of America Merrill Lynch. He currently manages a portfolio of affordable housing construction and permanent loans. Prior to Bank of America, he served as the Director of the Community Wealth Department at the East LA Community Corporation, overseeing a range of asset and wealth building programs. Daniel earned his B.A. in Economics from Brown University and MBA from the Haas School of Business at University of California, Berkeley.

1. Why were you interested in joining the LAC of LA LISC?

I have known about LISC since I first entered the community development world in 2008. I have always admired the organization’s local efforts in bringing much needed capital and investment to historically neglected communities. I am very excited about LA LISC’s current initiatives, which include Financial Opportunity Centers, capacity building workshops, and key investments in affordable housing and small businesses. When presented with the opportunity to join the committee, I jumped at it, knowing that I would be helping to contribute to such an impactful organization.

2. What is the best part of your job (either your organization or as a LAC member)?

As an asset manager with Bank of America’s community development group, I enjoy the analytical aspect of managing a portfolio of affordable housing construction loans, working with our clients to help them achieve their project goals, and visiting active construction sites.

3. How did you first get involved in the affordable housing/economic development sector?

I first got involved as a Housing and Financial Counselor for the East LA Community Corporation during the financial crisis. My role was to help families navigate the complex and difficult process of trying to modify their loan terms to stay in their homes. This experience opened my eyes to the reverse red-lining that occurred in the early to mid-2000’s, with unscrupulous lenders targeting low-income communities of color with unsustainable, toxic mortgage products.

Financial education workshops at East L.A. Community Corporation

4. What motivates you to work hard?

I am motivated by many of the people I grew up with in my immigrant, working class community. Their resourcefulness and resiliency, while facing many difficult challenges, always provides me with the perspective to keep moving forward, regardless of what obstacles I may face.

5. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?

I would sleep in, enjoy a nice cup of coffee, play basketball with my friends, have a backyard bbq with family, and cap off the day at a Dodgers game.

6. Who is your hero?

My parents. Their countless sacrifices, hard work, and support paved the way for my three brothers and me to obtain an education and achieve success in our personal and professional lives. I am always in awe of how they managed to do it as newcomers to this country with very limited resources.

7. What are you most looking forward to in 2019?

I am looking forward to continuing to grow personally and professionally, seeing the Dodgers finally win a World Series, and supporting LA LISC’s continued efforts to improve local communities.