Meet Rodolfo Alvarado | Writer, Scholar & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rodolfo Alvarado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rodolfo, what role has risk played in your life or career?

Risk-taking has been a fundamental part of my journey, both in life and in my career. I firmly believe that embracing risks opens doors to new opportunities and personal growth. A pivotal moment in my career where I took a significant risk was during my tenure at the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. I had the honor of working closely with the Ford Family, including Steve Hemp, the then-president of the museum and village, and Sheila Ford Hemp, now the owner of the Detroit Lions. Together, we embarked on the challenging yet rewarding task of restoring the historic Henry Ford Home after a devastating fire. This was in preparation for the 150th anniversary of the Quadricycle, Henry Ford’s first car. Though risky, this endeavor was crucial in preserving a vital piece of history. 

Additionally, my deep involvement with the Ford Family extended to the completion of the Spirit of Ford, a multifaceted ten-million-dollar facility. My leadership in these projects led to an offer to become president of the Spirit of Ford, a role that promised a significant shift in my career trajectory. However, I chose to pursue my passion for writing, research, and teaching, declining this prestigious position to focus on academia and writing. 

This decision brought me extraordinary rewards. I found success as an educator, contributed meaningfully to my field through research, and gained recognition for my writing. A recent highlight was the selection of my play, ‘Undesirable Secrets,’ for a read-through as the closing event of Remembrance Month 2024. This event, sponsored by the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, the San Antonio Public Library, and the Anthony C. Acevedo Foundation is scheduled for January 21, 2024. It represents a fusion of my love for writing, history, and storytelling. 

The idea for ‘Undesirable Secrets’ came to me during a trip to New York City. There, while watching the renowned musical ‘Hamilton’ and visiting Sarah Lawrence with my daughter, I also engaged with several non-profits about my children’s book series, ‘The Perla Garcia Mysteries.’ Immersed in the nation’s cultural epicenter, my creative energies were rekindled, reaffirming my commitment to taking calculated risks in the pursuit of my passions. 

In conclusion, my readiness to embrace risks, like turning down the presidency of the Spirit of Ford and drawing inspiration from ‘Hamilton,’ has empowered me to follow my true vocation. It has also enabled me to make a significant impact in the fields I am most passionate about.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

As an author, playwright, educator, and historian, my career has been a rich tapestry woven from diverse experiences across various mediums. I pride myself on my versatility, tackling a wide range of subjects and genres from literary journals and academic presses to the stage and screen. One aspect that sets me apart is my ability to use storytelling to illuminate critical issues, be it through fiction, non-fiction, or theater. 

My professional journey has been challenging but extraordinarily fulfilling. Starting as an educator, I’ve imparted knowledge at renowned institutions such as the University of Michigan, Texas Tech University, Ave Maria University, and Eastern Michigan University. With a Fine Arts PhD from Texas Tech and an MA in History from Eastern Michigan University, my academic background laid the groundwork for a prolific and diverse writing career. 

As a versatile Michigan-based writer, my portfolio includes diverse play productions like “¡Viva La Click-ka!” at the Performance Network in Ann Arbor and “Souls Nest,” which was invited to the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival. My children’s podcast, “The Perla Garcia Mysteries,” won at the Latin Podcast Awards in 2022-23, bringing thrilling tales to young listeners. These successes are a testament to my storytelling abilities, further recognized when I was named an Emerging Latino Author by The Latino Book Review. 

My biography, “The Untold Story of Joe Hernandez: The Voice of Santa Anita,” was honored with the prestigious Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award. Additionally, I received accolades as a finalist for another Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award and an Eclipse Award for my article on the late Garrett Gomez, a hall of fame jockey. My writings have been featured in esteemed publications like Arte Público Press’ Piñata Books, The Americas Review, The Latino Book Review, and many more. 

My work is fueled by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to exploring and highlighting pressing issues. I believe in the transformative power of words to inspire change and understanding. The lessons I’ve learned—embracing risks, believing in oneself, and staying true to one’s passions—are the guiding principles of my life and career.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If my best friend were visiting Michigan, I’d be excited to showcase the very best of our state. Here’s a dynamic, week-long itinerary for a memorable visit: 

Day 1 – Ann Arbor Adventures: We’d start in Ann Arbor, touring the massive Michigan Stadium, affectionately known as “The Big House.” If it’s football season, we’d catch an exhilarating game. The day would include a nostalgic visit to the Michigan Theatre for a classic movie screening, followed by a sumptuous dinner at one of Ann Arbor’s renowned restaurants. 

Day 2 – Detroit’s Cultural Scene: In Detroit, we’d explore Belle Isle, a tranquil island park, followed by an immersion in the Detroit Institute of Arts’ impressive art collection. If possible, we’d attend a game to experience Detroit’s passionate sports culture. 

Day 3 – Ypsilanti’s Historic Charm: Back in Ypsilanti, we’d visit the historic district, including a stop at the Ypsilanti Food Co-op, Sidetrack Bar and Grill, and Maiz Mexican Cantina. A leisurely

walk through the streets would offer a glimpse into the local lifestyle, with stops at quaint shops and cafes. 

Days 4-7 – Lake Huron Retreat: We’d spend the rest of the week at Lake Huron, engaging in activities like swimming and kayaking, and enjoying evenings around a campfire under the stars. 

This itinerary is a celebration of Michigan’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty, perfect for creating lasting memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I’d like to extend special shoutouts to three extraordinary women who have been instrumental in my journey as a writer, scholar, and educator. First and foremost, my heartfelt shoutout goes to my wife, Sonya. Sonya, besides being my loving partner, has always been there to provide guidance, share valuable insights, and inspire me to push beyond my limits. Her unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me have been the driving force behind many of my endeavors. 

The second shoutout is for my sister, Carolina. She has always believed in my abilities and has been a constant source of motivation and strength. Carolina’s support and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping my path. She has been there to provide guidance, share valuable insights, and inspire me to push beyond my limits. 

I’d also like to credit and recognize my mother, a remarkable single parent who instilled in me the profound lesson that hard work can turn any dream into reality. Her unwavering belief in the power of dedication and effort has been the foundation of my work ethic. 

These remarkable individuals have been my pillars of strength, and I owe a significant part of my success to their love, encouragement, and mentorship.

Website: http://www.rodolfoalvarado.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodolfo-alvarado-a4131b262/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rudolph.alvarado.9

Image Credits
The image of me with the two kids is provided by the Plymouth District Library. The rights to the others belongs to me.