Rodri Rodriguez is a native of Havana, Cuba having traveled to the United States, alone, as a child of the "Pedro Pan" exodus of 14,000 children from Cuba and subsequently lived in foster care in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her presence has been felt in the entertainment arena since 1975 when she played a key role in the decision to have the Latin Category added to the Grammy Awards. Described as a dedicated and passionate person, Rodri emphasizes that without the opportunity to serve others, life wouldn't be as colorful.

The multi-talented artist-producer, president and CEO of Rodri Entertainment, Rodri J. Rodriguez is a visionary cultural arts advocate who founded the MARIACHI USA Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides a vehicle with which to nurture the proliferation of culture through music and performing arts education in school-based programs. The Foundation has provided grants for music instruction K-12 students in California and the West, and hosts Camp MARIACHI USA, which offers free intensive music instruction to over 100 students.