46 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE DBD ATHENAs demonstrate inspiring leadership within their industry, mentor women throughout their career, and dedicate themselves to the community . Thank you to all ATHENA nominees, fi nalists, and to our recipients for your dedication to the Valley! ATHENAs demonstrate inspiring leadership within their industry, mentor women throughout their career, and dedicate themselves to the community . Thank you to all ATHENA nominees, fi nalists, and to our recipients for your dedication to the Valley! Jennifer Caraway Founder & Executive Director, The Joy Bus Veronica Aguilar Vice President, Teach for America Delma Herrera Vice President of Field Sales, West Region, Cox Communications Congratulations to the 2022 ATHENA Award Recipients!

Ability360 president & CEO is a strong voice for the disabled community BY JUDY PEARSON Bond of BROTHERS It’s indisputable: Little brothers look up to big brothers. But what Christopher Rodriguez learned from his big brother impacted not only him, but many others along the way. T.J., four years older than Chris, was born with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities). Watching his older brother navigate life inspired Chris. “T.J. is my only sibling, and I had an interesting vantage point,” Rodriguez said. “My natural inclination was to think about what I could do in my life to tear down the barriers I saw him face.” Rodriguez also had an interest in policy, politics and law. When he was ready for college, the challenge was to find a way to marry those passions with his desire to be a change agent for T.J. and others like him. His challenge was solved at the University of California, Berkeley, where he combined his passions with a minor in disabilities studies. Having competed in gymnastics since the age of 3, Rodriguez earned a scholarship 16 years later, and this man with a big Texas heart (he was born in Houston) has never regretted a minute of his chosen path. Growing up with an older brother with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Christopher Rodriguez has dedicated his career to serving individuals with disabilities. A 2ND ACT FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 47