After this critical success, FUFA began working to counter negative media images by offering alternative visions. In 2006, Rodriguez and another young woman coordinated a traveling exhibit of photographs that focused on positive images of women and men. They handed out cameras to a group of young people, and the resulting show was seen by hundreds of youth in Chicago.
Rodriguez also runs workshops for Chicago youth on media justice and speaks at events for adults and teens to present a young woman’s perspective on media justice and violence against women. And she’s testified before the Federal Communications Commission on how women of color are portrayed in the media. But she’s not just there for the “up front” work, at which she excels. She’s always encouraging younger women to take part and speak out.
As a talk show host on Chicago’s Radio Arte, Rodriguez takes a lead role in bridging cultural gaps between people to open their minds and hearts and encourage them to learn from one another. “I’ve always had the drive and motivation to fight for the poor, the disadvantaged and abused families, and children,” Rodriguez wrote when she joined the Women & Girls CAN board. “I believe that by working with other young women and men who share my ideals, I can help to open doors that will give us all a better understanding and respect for one another.”
“The Ms. Foundation’s support has enabled us to tap into a larger national movement to rethink the way anti-violence work is done … to get at the root causes and prevent violence from happening,” says Melissa Spatz, Executive Director of Women & Girls CAN. Rodriguez exemplifies how integral young women are to this movement. Melissa agrees: “Yunuen is a passionate leader ... passionate about ending violence and passionate about helping young women become leaders in their own right.”
Yunuen Rodriguez Co-President of the Board, Women & Girls CAN; Member, Females United for Action
