Skip to Main Content Skip to Main Navigation Skip to Footer
UNG Logo
  • Info For...
    • Accepted Students
    • Current Students
    • Parents & Family
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Alumni
    • Business & Community
    • International Students
  • Quicklinks
    • Directories
    • myUNG
    • Academic Catalogs
    • Athletics
    • Banner
    • Bookstore
    • Calendars
    • Campuses & Maps
    • Continuing Education
    • D2L
    • Employment / HR
    • IT Service Desk
    • Libraries
    • UNG Foundation
  • Admissions
  • Corps of Cadets
  • Academics
  • Cost & Aid
  • Student Life
  • News & Events
  • Athletics
  • About Us

Find the most up-to-date information on the Presidential Search site.

Where I Lead
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Current Students
  • Alumni
    1. UNG
    2. News & Events
    3. Where I Lead
    4. Alumni

    Martha Rodriguez

    After her family moved to Georgia from Mexico, Martha Rodriguez, ’16, saw great potential among her Hispanic peers but few actual leaders. When she came to UNG, she set out to change that.

    The relationships she formed here — as a freshmen mentor, orientation leader, and member of the Latino Student Organization and various other clubs — developed her leadership and confidence.

    "UNG focuses on building leaders in our community," Rodriguez said. "That’s why I’m most proud of my university. Every workshop, every conference is always about being a leader, how to improve yourself and teach others."

    Rodriguez earned a degree in management from UNG in 2016.

    She grew even more independent when she studied in Spain at the CESTE International Business School. She took Spanish-taught courses in world economy and financial mathematics, and visited some places she’d never been—England, Ireland, Portugal, and Poland.

    "To study abroad and experience a different culture, you grow so much as a person and leader," Rodriguez said. "I feel like every student should go through that because that’s when you really grow as a person. After six months, I came back and believed I could accomplish anything."

    When she returned from Spain, she wanted to show Hispanic youth they could accomplish all that she had—and more. That’s why she is leading 130+ high school juniors and seniors across Georgia with HoPe, a nonprofit focused on reducing high school dropout rates among Hispanic youth.

    "In elementary and high school, most Hispanic students didn’t feel very included in our community," Rodriguez said. "They didn’t have that one person who understood them and knew what they were going through."

    She’s making it her mission to be that person.

    "To succeed, you’re going to need people to build you up and encourage you," Rodriguez said. "UNG does that for you. It brings out your full potential."

    Courtney Hall

    Courtney Hall

    Courtney Hall helped new students love UNG through orientation and now assists them through her work in Academic Advising.
    Dan Emmett

    Dan Emmett

    UNG alumnus Dan Emmett, '78, said UNG re-emphasized his parents' teachings of honor, discipline, service to one's country, and trying to do your best at everything you attempt.
    Phil O'Donnell

    Phil O'Donnell

    Before he launched a career with his degree in criminal justice, Phil O'Donnell of Suwanee, Georgia, tested himself against the best cyclists in the world.
    Yanet Velazquez

    Yanet Velazquez

    Alumna Yanet Velazquez of Gainesville, Georgia, wanted to become a leader in the Latino community.
    Hannah Peevy

    Hannah Peevy

    Even while pursuing a double major in nursing and business administration, Hannah Peevy still managed to be a standout student-athlete.
    UNG Logo
    • Contact Us
    • Request Information
    • Quick Facts
    • Campus Maps & Directions
    • Student Consumer Information
    • Campus Safety
    • Emergency Information
    • Employment/HR
    • UNG Policies & Procedures
    • UNG Alumni Association
    • UNG Foundation
    • Ethics & Compliance Hotline
    • Human Trafficking Notice
    • Equal Empl. Opportunity

    © 2023 The University System of Georgia and the University of North Georgia.

    UNG follows the section 508 Standards and WCAG 2.0 for web accessibility. If you require this content in another format, please send an email to the ADA Coordinator.

    Use of military-themed imagery does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense.

    • Accreditation
    • Accessibility
    • Privacy Policy
    Establishing Connection...
    AskNigel