Page 24 - Spring 2019 Extension Magazine

24 INSPIRE

Cover Story

SANDRA RODRÍGUEZ
THE CALM IN

THE STORM

Amidst chaos, plotting
a path forward with

hope, a prayer and
sheer determination

uring the immense
challenges that
Puerto Rico faces,
Sandra Rodríguez
is the epitome of
positivity, courage
Dand commitment.
After hurricanes Irma and Maria DIOCESAN MONEY MANAGER hundreds of churches, chapels,
hit Puerto Rico, the work of rebuild- She has been the chief financial schools, and other ministries so
ing has been enormous. In addition officer for the Archdiocese of San vital to Puerto Rican culture.
to the humanitarian challenges Juan for just over a year, but she has For her, 12-hour days and 7-day
and physical damages, there are worked for the Archdiocese for over work weeks have been common
significant financial hurdles to 20 years. She was thrust into this over the last number of months.
address. Rodriguez’s leadership important leadership role when her At one point, when the aftermath
is helping the Archdiocese of San predecessor died of a sudden heart of the hurricane meant closed
Juan to navigate the problems attack just a month before Hurri- banks and no access to funds, she
and continue its five centuries of cane Maria struck. could not even get paid for the hun-
ministry. Following the hurricane, she dreds of hours she had clocked.
has had to manage an enormous Despite the obstacles, she is
workload, helping to sustain the optimistic, pragmatic and energetic.