Human Rights Activist to Speak at Freshman Convocation

The granddaughter of civil and labor rights activist Cesar Chavez, human rights activist and diversity speaker Julie Chavez Rodriguez will be the featured speaker at The 2008 ODU Freshman Convocation, scheduled for 4 p.m. on August 24 at the Ted Constant Convocation Center.

Rodriguez was introduced to the farm worker movement at an early age. Throughout her life, she has played an active role in the fight for social justice, human rights, and the rights of working people. Chavez Rodriguez is currently working as the programs director for the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, where she spearheads the National Youth Leadership Initiative, an effort which addresses academic and civic engagement among today's youth.

She has also worked with the state of California on the development and administration of the Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning, and a web-based K-12 curriculum on the life and work of Cesar Chavez. Prior to joining for the foundation, she worked with the United Farm Workers on voter registration and community empowerment programs throughout California. Chavez Rodriguez holds a bachelor's degree in Latin American studies from the University of California at Berkeley. For more information, contact Michelle Falck at 683-4683.