Real Estate
Owning a duplex in Washington DC, Rodney is focusing on his investment vision after PAC, prioritizing multifamily properties and farming for generational wealth and development opportunities. Inspired by a fellow landowner’s success, including a 40-acre farm in Maryland, he sees farmland’s versatile potential beyond traditional agriculture. Exploring modernized farming concepts, he envisions creating a self-sustaining community with multiple revenue streams, from residential units to event spaces and educational facilities. The flexibility of farmland offers a blank canvas for his vision, with added tax advantages. Beyond financial gains, he envisions building a community hub, a haven for his family and future generations to thrive together.
Change our Future
Rodney and his wife, Erika, created their organization as a tool to inspire, grow, and develop the next generation. Their dynamic youth development organization transcends traditional boundaries, focusing on dismantling systematic barriers and challenging labels that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Through mentorship, educational programs, and leadership workshops, they empower students to advocate for themselves, instill confidence, and create opportunities for growth. Change Our Future embodies resilience, compassion, health and wellness, and a commitment to equity, fostering a generation that will shape a brighter tomorrow.
Next Man Up Mentorship
Next Man Up is a youth mentorship program launched by Rodney’s & Erika’s Change Our Future Foundation. The only program within the organization designed specifically for Black males aims to eliminate systematic gaps for young males of color, positioning them for excellence. Through interactive workshops and positive male role models, Next Man Up empowers young men to become agents of change and leaders in their communities. The program focuses on fostering leadership, ensuring on-time graduation, and promoting post-secondary readiness. By nurturing transformative opportunities and developing participants into true community leaders, Next Man Up contributes to building generational success and challenging negative stereotypes surrounding Black men in America.
I AM Youth Leadership Summit
Change Our Future organizes the I AM Youth Leadership Summit, a powerful event aimed at cultivating Black and Brown leaders, fostering executive competencies and addressing disparities faced by people of color in leadership roles. At the full day conference, participants engage in experiential learning through workshops and sessions, exploring various fields such as STEM, entrepreneurship, and media jobs. Experts in these domains share their insights, inspiring attendees to embrace their potential. Additionally, the summit provides a unique opportunity for students to potentially secure summer internships, connecting them with professionals and opening doors for their future careers. The summit is a space for young leaders to be seen, affirmed and further equipped to thrive with confidence.
STEAM Fusion Workshop Series
Within their foundation, Rodney and Erika launched the S.T.E.A.M. Fusion Program in 2020. The program is geared towards middle school students and focuses on bridging the gap between science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.). Students engage in station rotations that offer hands-on activities related to virtual reality, fitness, and other experiential learning projects. Diverse topics such as health care, sports, meteorology, and aeronautics are explored, allowing students to gain practical knowledge while igniting their curiosity. Their annual fundraiser, The Sneaker Ball, brings together notable community members to support the program’s growth and impact on educating and connecting students with real-world opportunities, making learning an exciting adventure.
Back of House
Taking pride in his creativity, Rodney has founded his own passion project clothing brand. Back of House is a men’s streetwear brand engineering unique, high-quality products at an affordable price while focusing on storytelling. Inspired by a community striving for success, Back of House serves as a daily reminder to never forget the importance of the process. Rodney attributes his success to hard work, and preparation. He believes the moments people do not see often define that individual and success is built behind the scenes.
