Fatima Djelmane Rodriguez

Fractured childhood with Muslim father & Catholic mother; faith as social justice; activism; silence & reconciliation; and her love for her Boyle Heights community. Fatima Djelmane Rodriguez is the Executive Director of Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, a non-profit charity which works to create a positive, long-lasting impact on children with cancer and their families by providing fun, safe, cost-free, year round camp programs. And since September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, there couldn't be a more fitting guest for this week's show. Fatima reveals a spiritual journey that has always had faith at the center of it, but which found its' ultimate expression in causes of social justice and activism rather than traditional dogma or religious academia. She also has a marked grace, calm, and sense of humor as she unveils what is at times a tumultuous and fractured childhood. Born to a Father of Muslim faith, and a Catholic Mother, a religiously-minded Fatima not only had to navigate the complexities of that faith dichotomy, but act as the go-between for parents who divorced before she entered high school. She speaks about the years of silence between her father and herself, and their ultimate reconciliation on matters of faith. And she talks about her love for being a part of a profession focused on healing and connection, and how much it means to her to have found her beloved community and home in Boyle Heights. Here are links to a few Boyle Heights institutions that are dear to Fatima's heart: Dolores Mission Church Proyecto Pastoral Homeboy Industries Fatima's Instagram: @fatima_d Official Website: nicholasdagosto.com Instagram: @nicholasdagosto #GodsDelicateShow Twitter: @nicholasdagosto #GodsDelicateShow LinkedIn: Nicholas D'Agosto Music by Sean Whalen, Art by Alexandra Delano