Dr. Damary M. Bonilla-Rodriguez
Dr. Damary M. Bonilla Rodriguez
Dr. Damary M. Bonilla-Rodriguez, born and raised in Spanish Harlem in New York City, is a barrier breaking influencer and powerful overcomer. She is a nationwide authority on leadership development, focused on diversity and inclusion. She became passionate about her community as a young girl, and there began the journey to changing the political and leadership landscape for Latinos. Damary is a sought-after speaker, writer and content creator based on her extensive research about Latina leadership in the United States, as well as experience gained from roles in the non-profit, private, and government sectors and her doctoral research. She has a desire to see more believers across all sectors of government, so that we can influence positive change. Damary is committed to using her platform to represent underserved and marginalized communities who need a voice.
Damary’s journey to greatness was not without struggle and adversity. She was born in an impoverished area to a single teen mother, who tragically died at the age of 27 as a victim of homicide. She was lovingly raised by her maternal grandparents who provided her with guidance and a foundation of faith. She recognizes that God’s grace never left her. Determined, Damary has been able to rise above the negative statistics and expectations and accomplished much in her personal and professional life. While her grandparents were not educated, their encouragement and influence made a significant impact on Damary. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Social Work from the College of New Rochelle where she received the College President’s Medal, graduated with Departmental Honors, and was awarded the Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Award. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Organizational Communications and a Specialized Certification in Corporate Communications, both from the College of New Rochelle. She earned her Doctorate in Education focusing on Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College. She is among less than 4% of Latinas in the U.S. who hold a Doctorate.
Damary ran for State Representative in the 189th District of Pennsylvania in the 2016 election cycle where she became the first Hispanic to make a State ballot in Pike and Monroe Counties. In November 2019, she became the first Hispanic elected as School Board Director in the East Stroudsburg Area School District. Passionate about supporting professional organizations, she is a Board Member of the Brodhead Watershed Association, Prospanica NY, Latina VIDA, Latinas on the Plaza, and Los Compadres Modern Caballeros; as well as an advisory board member for the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs and the Alliance for Positive Youth Development. In addition, she was appointed by Governor Tom Wolf to represent the Poconos Region on statewide commissions on Redistricting Reform and Latino affairs (GACLA).
Damary’s published written accomplishments include chapters in the books Ethics, Gender, and Leadership in the Workplace and Today’s Inspired Latina (Volume II), as well as contributing to the Huffington Post and being featured by several media outlets including NBC Latino, Chief Writing Wolf, and the Empowered Latinas series.
While juggling the many roles in her life, Damary’s priorities are God and her family. She lives with her husband Robert and their ten-year-old twin boys, Caleb and Joshua.
Favorite quote: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”
-Isaac Newton
Favorite Bible verse: “God is within her, she will not fail.”
-Psalm 46:5
To learn more, contact Dr. Damary M. Bonilla-Rodriguez on LinkedIn and social media.