Johnny Rodriguez – West Michigan 25 most influential Latinos
Johnny Rodriguez
President & CEO
Latin Americans United for Progress
Latin Americans United for Progress has significantly impacted the West Michigan Hispanic community for over 60 years, and its current president has bolstered the organization’s reach even further.
Rodriguez’s guidance since joining LAUP in October 2021 has resulted in 300% growth in the organization’s youth programs, increasing the number of college-bound seniors and connecting them with workforce development programs.
The organization also has increased its representation in local events. This includes participating in Holland’s Tulip Time parades and partnering with Tulip Time for its fireworks celebration.
LAUP’s Fiesta, once a single-day event, has now expanded into a week-long celebration in Holland, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the Hispanic community.
“Our transformative programs, Adelante and Mas Adelante, have grown by 300%,” LAUP said in a statement. “By servicing students at our Holland office and removing transportation barriers, we now offer these programs in Grand Haven and West Ottawa High Schools, with plans to expand to Fennville in the fall of 2024.”
As the son of immigrant workers, Rodriguez grew up traveling between cities in West Michigan and Texas before his family finally settled in Holland in the mid ‘90s. Despite the challenges he faced at the time, including an increase in gang activity, the young Rodriguez stayed involved in his community by participating in organizations like LAUP and the Boys and Girls Club.
After graduating from Hope College in 2009, Rodriguez spent 12 years in human resources and talent acquisition leadership. He then decided to focus his talents, connections and passion on nonprofit work supporting the Latin American community.
In 2024, LAUP received a refugee services grant, enabling the expansion of services for immigrants and refugees to address the growing needs of the community.
Over the past three years, LAUP’s success has inspired other organizations to innovate and better serve the Hispanic community through collaboration and partnership.
