Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathalie Marshall-Rodriguez.
Hi Nathalie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I was born in Puerto Rico but grew up as an Army brat in Fayetteville, NC. I spent my childhood as a competitive dancer, where I explored European and American dance genres. That joy of movement followed me into college at UNCG, where I studied Kinesiology and Dance. I had never really explored my cultural roots aside from holiday traditions and foods until I met more first-generation students of Hispanic origin. I founded a dance group at UNCG, Ritmo Latino, that allowed students to immerse themselves in Latin dance styles like salsa, cumbia, and bachata. Oftentimes, Hispanics/Latinx are clumped together into one category, while we do have many similarities, each country has their own unique traditions that I enjoy participating in and teaching others about. Upon meeting my peers and hearing their stories, I realized just how hard people work to not only come to this country but how hard they work to maintain their life here by navigating complex systems such as education and healthcare.
After graduating, even though my college journey was anything but linear, I was filled with immense gratitude for the opportunities I was given. My closest UNCG alumnae friends and I gathered for dinner one night and decided that we wanted to pay our knowledge forward by providing resources to the next generation of students and their families to better prepare them for what life can throw at them. And that’s how I became a co-founder and the first CEO of the non-profit Latinx LIFE.
I operated Latinx LIFE from a laptop, still do. At the time of its founding, I was a flight attendant on the West Coast. It’s easy to slip into an inactive lifestyle once school is finished, but I was determined to keep growing as a fitness enthusiast. Hotel gyms became one of my favorite places to spend time. I experimented with how I could stay mobile and in shape off of limited equipment. Two years, 36 states and 5 countries later, I decided to hang up my wings and put my new exercise knowledge to use by becoming a virtual personal trainer. A good chunk of my clients were from the Triangle and Triad areas of NC.
I enjoy fitness myth-busting and showing women how to weight train in sync with their menstrual cycle. I am a huge advocate for listening to our bodies when approaching workouts. Motion is lotion, but sometimes the type of motion should change in accordance with our lifestyle or how we are feeling. In order for fitness to be sustainable, it must also be adaptable.
Whether it’s through philanthropy or personal training, I love helping people. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road of a non-profit co-founder and entrepreneur has been full of both blessings and lessons. Having multiple ventures to balance has been tough when it comes to time management. They’re both passion projects, and I can get lost in one project for hours or days. Now time blocking my schedule with to-do lists has made my life a lot easier by reducing decision fatigue.
One of the most daunting struggles of starting a non-profit from scratch is the initial lack of resources and knowledge. YouTube became our bestie for operations and management advice. In the early days, myself and the other founders of Latinx LIFE found ourselves wearing multiple hats – from grant writer to fundraiser to marketing guru – all while grappling with limited funds. It’s a test of resilience and determination.
But amidst this struggle, there’s a silver lining. I discovered an unwavering sense of purpose with each new initiative that keeps propelling me forward. I learned to be resourceful, leveraging every connection and opportunity with like-minded people. It’s a journey that demands patience and adaptability. It’s a journey that’s worth every uphill battle, for the impact made can be felt far and wide, reminding us that even the toughest struggles can lead to the most meaningful triumphs.
One of the most prevalent struggles is helping clients overcome societal body image pressures. Many women come to a personal trainer with preconceived notions of what an ideal body should look like, influenced by media, peer pressure, and unrealistic beauty standards. As a trainer, it’s essential for me to guide others towards embracing their individuality and achieving their personal fitness goals rather than conforming to external ideals. This often involves delicate conversations about self-esteem and self-worth, as well as fostering a supportive and empowering training environment.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am known as a philanthropist and personal trainer.
As a philanthropic UX/UI designer serving as Latinx LIFE’s, I have the privilege of using my design skills to coordinate the web presence of remarkable initiatives – like our upcoming Health Fiesta, dedicated to providing low-cost access to essential healthcare services. In this fulfilling role, I merge my passion for design and health with my commitment to making a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Crafting user-friendly, intuitive interfaces is not only about aesthetics but also about ensuring that individuals in need can effortlessly access vital resources.
Last year, I had the privilege of visiting multiple college campuses and leading the initiative Together Podemos. Empowering youth with knowledge about how government works and the significance of their voice in the democratic process is a mission close to my heart. By providing clear insights into the intricacies of our political system and demystifying voting policies, we equipped individuals with the tools to start dialogue centered around engaging actively in shaping their future. It’s about instilling a sense of civic responsibility and emphasizing that their vote isn’t just a right but a powerful instrument for change. Through Together Podemos, we ignited a passion for informed civic participation, ensuring that these students become not just informed voters, but agents of positive transformation in our society.
As a personal trainer specializing in women’s fitness, my approach revolves around the transformative power of weight training while also recognizing and accommodating the unique needs of each woman’s menstrual cycle. I firmly believe that strength is a foundation for confidence and overall well-being, and I’m passionate about helping women harness that strength through tailored workouts. When women feel empowered, magic happens.
Understanding the fluctuations in energy, mood, and physical capabilities that come with the menstrual cycle is paramount. I work closely with my clients to adapt their weight training routines, ensuring that they can make the most of their workouts while respecting their bodies’ natural rhythms. During high-energy phases such as ovulation, I recommend intense strength training, pushing boundaries safely, and setting new goals. Conversely, during the luteal phase, I recommend prioritizing lighter exercises and self-care to support the body’s needs.
My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where women can embrace their strength, honor their bodies, and achieve their fitness goals while navigating the beautiful complexities of their menstrual cycles. Together, we create a fitness journey that celebrates the unique power of being a woman.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
1,000% nothing I have accomplished could have been done without my Mami, Sonia Rosa. She’s always available when I needed mental support, has provided me with insight about her philanthropic endeavors as a finance professional, and her company happens to be one of Latinx LIFE’s biggest and longest-standing donors. <3
Merald Holloway of MDC Rural Forward and NC-100 is one of my biggest mentors and inspiration for the non-profit sector. Many of Latinx LIFE’s work in NC is in partnership with organizations he is a part of. When aid priorities needed shifting during the pandemic, Merald was quick to collaborate with us to provide bilingual resource materials digitally and in person. His advice has inspired me to grow exponentially as a leader within my organization and become a more conscientious community partner.
As for fitness, mil gracias to all of my clients, past and present. Your dedication, hard work, and determination inspire me every single day. Watching y’all push through challenges, break boundaries, and achieve your fitness goals is incredibly rewarding, and I couldn’t be a prouder coach!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thelatinxlife.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamnathalierodriguez
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaliemarshallrodriguez/
Image Credits
Brandon Demery
Theodora Tray
Brooke Elise
