Georgia State’s Prison Education Project Director Named to Obama Foundation Leaders Program

DECATUR, Ga.  – Patrick Rodriguez, director of Georgia State University’s Prison Education Project, is among the first cohort of 100 emerging changemakers selected to participate in the Obama Foundation’s Leaders USA program. The Obama Leaders program is a six-month virtual program that supports and connects emerging leaders in the United States, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Europe through a values-based leadership framework inspired by the ideals and legacy of former U.S. President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama. Chosen from a competitive pool of applicants, Rodriguez was selected to join the program for his leadership in the university’s Prison Education Project, which enables incarcerated individuals to get a college degree while in prison.

The inaugural cohort of United States “Obama Leaders” is composed of values-driven changemakers hailing from 37 states; Washington, D.C.; American Samoa; Guam; and five tribal nations. The Obama Leaders are united by their passion for building a stronger, more sustainable and more inclusive world.

“I am honored that I have been selected to be an Obama fellow,” said Rodriguez. “The program will provide me with an opportunity to highlight the work of Georgia State’s Prison Education Project and enable me to learn values-based leadership skills to strengthen our project and beyond. As a formerly incarcerated person, I have seen firsthand the impact education has on incarcerated people and how it can truly change lives, as it has changed mine. I am excited to represent Georgia State University and engage with leaders to generate new and creative approaches to prison education,” he said.

“We are excited to welcome these 100 changemakers from across the United States into the Obama Foundation family,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation. “Our newest Obama Leaders are already making a difference in their communities and are ready to take their work to the next level. They embody the values of President and Mrs. Obama, and their impactful work will create positive change in communities across the country."

As part of the six-month program, Rodriguez will convene virtually each week with the United States Obama Leaders cohort for interactive sessions designed to help them drive change by honing their leadership skills, building deep relationships with their peers, and engaging with thought leaders and members of the Obama Foundation community. He also will have an opportunity to engage with President Obama, and participate in various virtual experiences and special events, including one-on-one conversations with experienced mentors in the Foundation's global network.

To learn more about the program, visit obama.org/programs/leaders/usa/.