Chattanooga Football Club is proud to spotlight Veronica Rodriguez, Principal of Blue Ridge Elementary School.
As the first Hispanic principal at Dalton Public Schools, Rodriguez’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in education reflects the power of resilience, family, and passion for helping others.
Rodriguez’s path to education was inspired by her parents, who emigrated to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. They left behind their homeland, family, and everything they knew to give Rodriguez and her siblings a chance at a better life.
"Their sacrifices and unwavering dedication have been a driving force in my life,” said Rodriguez.
As a child, she often acted as an interpreter for her parents and helped her siblings with their homework due to the language barrier.
"I remember setting up our small porch as a classroom to ensure my siblings had the support they needed." These early experiences sparked her passion for teaching and gave her a deep understanding of the challenges many students face.
Today, as the first Hispanic principal at Dalton Public Schools, Rodriguez sees her role as both a personal achievement and a tribute to her parents’ legacy. She’s committed to creating an inclusive environment where all students feel valued, understood and inspired to reach their full potential.
Heritage shaping leadership and community
Rodriguez’s leadership is deeply rooted in her Hispanic heritage, which emphasizes relationships, integrity and empowering others. "Building strong, authentic relationships helps me understand my staff’s strengths and challenges, while integrity guides every decision I make," she explains.
Rodriguez also recognizes the power of soccer in building community spirit and school pride. "In a diverse community like Dalton, soccer serves as a bridge, uniting students, families, and staff beyond the classroom," she says. Much like Chattanooga Football Club’s connection to the local community, Rodriguez sees sports as a force for unity. “Sports foster teamwork, discipline, and respect, creating a positive school culture that extends into the broader community,” she adds. For her, soccer and other sports are a way to bring people together, promoting a sense of pride and belonging that transcends the game.
Chattanooga Football Club is honored to celebrate leaders like Veronica Rodriguez during Hispanic Heritage Month. Her dedication to education and community serves as an inspiration to all.
Read more about other Hispanic community leaders by visiting our Hispanic Heritage Month page here.
