Agenda 07/12/2022 Item # 5B (Against All Odds Award for 2021 - Peggy Rodriguez)07/12/2022
5.B
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Presentation of the "Against All Odds" award, for Calendar Year 2021, to Peggy Rodriguez.
OBJECTIVE: To present Peggy Rodriguez the 2021 "Against All Odds" award for her perseverance,
social work, community involvement, and dedication to enrich the lives of others.
CONSIDERATIONS: At its July 12, 2016, meeting, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously
approved establishing an annual "Against All Odds" award program to recognize individuals who have
overcome great challenges that most of us have not faced and who, despite their circumstances, have
excelled and given back to the community. Previous recipients of the award are Mackensie Alexander, an
NFL football player from Immokalee, Carlos Ruiz, a former Army paratrooper, Arthur Bookbinder,
David C. Weigel, and Christina Harding- Cruz.
In late 2021, and following a suspension of the award program during the COVID-19 pandemic, the
Communications, Government & Public Affairs Division renewed a call for nominations from the public.
The announcement was made in English, Spanish, and Creole and sent to all media outlets, public and
private high schools, and posted on the County's website and on social media.
Nominations had to be accompanied by a narrative describing the nominee's journey; specifically, how he
or she overcame considerable obstacles to achieve success and excel. The narrative also had to include
examples of how the nominee had given back to the community.
By the December 31, 2021, nomination deadline, eight Collier County residents were nominated. Per
previous practice, a selection committee of seven staff in the Communications office thoroughly reviewed
each nomination. While every nominee embodied the spirit of the "Against All Odds" award, ultimately
Peggy Rodriguez was selected for demonstrating an exceptional level of fortitude, determination, and
perseverance. Ms. Rodriguez has given back and enriched the Collier community with her social work,
community involvement, and dedication to enrich the lives of others through programs, services, and
personal determination to give a prominent voice to those who have a language barrier.
The nominees not selected for the 2021 award will automatically be entered for consideration for the 2022
award.
Peggy Rodriguez
Peggy's life began as the daughter of migratory farm workers, moving from state to state with the
growing seasons picking fruits and vegetables. In 1979, her parents finally settled permanently in
Immokalee to raise their young family.
Peggy married young, had two children, and soon experienced the familiar financial hardships she had
witnessed with her parents. Peggy was determined to change her future and provide opportunities for her
growing family. Being engaged in her community and wanting to stay and raise her children in one place,
Peggy began working as an administrative assistant for Guadalupe Social Services at Catholic Charities
where they provide food and shelter, counseling, and education to those in need. Peggy worked hard, was
well -liked, and rose steadily through various positions from Administrative Assistant to Caseworker, to
Assistant Program Director, and, most recently, promoted to Regional Director, reporting directly to the
CEO.
She now leads four locations throughout Collier County, manages a staff of 27, and has more than ten
programs, including the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen, a Clothing and Shower Program, Education, and
Pantry on Wheels. Program locations include the Collier Senior Center and the Family Counseling
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Center in Golden Gate, the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center in East Naples, and Guadalupe Social
Services in Immokalee. Peggy is also working toward her degree in Business Management and is
currently on the Dean's List.
FISCAL IMPACT: The cost of producing the award is approximately $150.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact associated with this
Executive Summary.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: None.
RECOMMENDATION: To present Peggy Rodriguez the 2021 "Against All Odds" award.
Prepared by: Maria Pizarro, Public Information Coordinator, Division of Communications, Government
& Public Affairs
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5.B
07/12/2022
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 5.B
Doc ID: 22670
Item Summary: Presentation of the "Against All Odds" Award, for Calendar Year 2021, to Peggy
Rodriguez
Meeting Date: 07/12/2022
Prepared by:
Title: Communications, Govt. & Public Affairs Director — County Manager's Office
Name: John Mullins
07/05/2022 8:53 AM
Submitted by:
Title: Communications, Govt. & Public Affairs Director — County Manager's Office
Name: John Mullins
07/05/2022 8:53 AM
Approved By:
Review:
County Manager's Office John Mullins County Manager Review
Board of County Commissioners Geoffrey Willig Meeting Pending
Completed 07/05/2022 9:27 AM
07/12/2022 9:00 AM
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