MESA, Ariz. -- May 13, 2025 -- Mesa Community College Journalism and New Media Studies Program Director Nadine Arroyo Rodriguez was recently recognized as a Líder Latina by Valle del Sol’s Hispanic Learning Institute (HLI) Central/Phoenix.
Arroyo Rodriguez, a 2019 HLI alumna, was recently acknowledged at a Valle del Sol event during Women’s Heritage Month celebrating the achievements of HLI alumnae and the work they continue to do in the community. “During the event, the selected Latina leaders share their stories, successes, challenges and words of wisdom,” she said. “There isn’t a physical award to hang on the wall or place on a shelf. Rather the event recognizes the good work these women do in the community.”
Founded in 1970 to fill a gap in behavioral and social services to strengthen families in the Latino community in Phoenix, the nonprofit Valle del Sol provides tools and skills for self-sufficiency and by building the next generation of Latino and diverse leaders.
HLI focuses on developing and empowering Hispanic/Latino individuals to become effective leaders in their communities, often emphasizing civic engagement, education and advocacy. “The organization welcomes and embraces people from all backgrounds who wish to be part of its leadership program,” said Arroyo Rodriguez, who also serves as a volunteer coach/trainer during HLI media training sessions.
“Being acknowledged by your community always brings the work you do ’home’ because it’s much less an award for individual achievement, but rather what my accomplishments represent to the larger community,” said Arroyo Rodriguez.
Her ongoing service to the greater learning community includes chairing the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) Journalism Instructional Council and her role as an Equity Ambassador for the MCC hiring committee process. Her past roles in the community and within MCC include chair of the Arizona Journalism and Media Arts Articulation Task Force and interim director of the MCC Center for Community and Civic Engagement.
With more than 25 years of journalism and public relations experience, the multi-award-winning journalist has been an MCC instructor for nine years teaching journalism, mass communication and humanities and is a faculty advisor for The Mesa Legend, the student-run newspaper, and podcast. She has been with the MCCCD since 2008, first serving as a reporter at National Public Radio-KJZZ 91.5 FM.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, [email protected]
Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving over 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. MCC's diverse student body includes hundreds of international students. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O'odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.
MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.