Meet Denzil Rodriguez: The Fresh Air Fund’s Corporate Engagement Coordinator  

“From participating in Fresh Air programs and then coming back to work here, my experience allows me to see from a different perspective. It’s what inspires and motivates me on the resources, volunteer groups and corporate partners I search out for our young people. It always encourages me to think of what I can provide for youth,” shared Denzil Rodriguez, a Fresh Air alum who plays a pivotal role as the Corporate Engagement Coordinator at The Fresh Air Fund.  

Having participated in Fresh Air programs for five summers as a child, Denzil brings a unique outlook to his current position. After joining the Development team in March of 2023, Denzil has helped provide New York City children with job shadowings, tutoring opportunities and more. We spoke to Denzil to learn more about his Fresh Air journey, his role as the Corporate Engagement Coordinator and some of his favorite memories along the way.  

Can you share your personal and professional journey that led you to working at The Fresh Air Fund?

My family and I moved to South Jamaica, Queens in 2003 and it wasn’t the greatest location. We found The Fresh Air Fund through a guidance counselor at school, and I had my first summer with Friendly Towns in 2003 and visited the same host family for four summers, the Marsh’s from Ithaca, NY.  

The experiences I got in Ithaca, NY were vastly different from Jamaica, Queens like staying in a log cabin on a lake and learning to swim.  Then, I attended Camp Hayden-Marks in 2007. After attending these programs, I was more willing to try new things because of my time staying with a host family and at camp. The biggest, lasting impact I gained from attending Fresh Air programs was more confidence in trying new things and being open to new experiences.

What led you to a career in youth development? 

Ever since I was in college, I was always motivated by youth development. Something about learning from what my experience was and seeing what I didn’t have, it always encouraged me to say, “Hey, how can I provide this for the youth that that are growing up now and in similar circumstances as I was.”  

My first job in Community College was working with students with developmental disabilities. After college, I became the director of that program, and I stayed there from 2018 until 2023. I said to myself I needed more of a challenge, but I wasn’t too sure where to go and The Fresh Air Fund had an opening for a position. Today, I’m the Corporate Engagement Coordinator for The Fresh Air Fund. My role is to work with corporate partners and maintain a strong relationship with our corporate partners and volunteer groups.  

What is your favorite part about your job at The Fresh Air Fund? 

Aside from the fact that I provide resources and experiences for our young people, I enjoy seeing our youth experience it all. I love hearing the positive reviews of a kid going on a job shadowing and saying how they can see themselves doing that job. I also enjoy seeing volunteers get satisfaction from their time spent helping with these opportunities and understanding that their work is for a greater cause. Seeing youth enjoy their experience and seeing the volunteers have a good time, those two things are what remind me of why I’m here and why I’m doing this job. 

Can you share a favorite memory from when you worked at The Fund? 

One of my favorite memories was during a volunteer event with the company Theory. It was a donation event where they gave our young people professional clothing whether it is for a job or college interview to give them a new professional look. During this event, they also work on resumes and take headshots. Last year, we had a shy and reserved student named Anthony and the Theory volunteers helped him put together a new look. He took this headshot that you would have thought he was running for office; it was such an amazing headshot and a turnaround moment of seeing him leave that workshop with so much confidence. It was a very stand out moment where I thought this is why we do what we do. 

Based on your Fresh Air experience, what would you say to prospective families thinking of signing up their child?  

The Fresh Air Fund offers children new experiences that they normally wouldn’t get in the city. Prospective families should consider this option, that their child is going to leave camp with new friends and the willingness to try new things. I know New York City has a ton of things going on, but The Fresh Air Fund provides a different experience of a sleepaway camp and learning new things. I definitely recommend it!  

What are you most looking forward to for summer 2025? 

I’m looking forward to having more corporate groups visit The Fresh Air Fund’s sleepaway camps to facilitate activities with the kids. When a corporate group goes up to our camps and they engage in activities like arts and crafts or play sports, it is always rewarding to not only see the campers having a great time but also see the volunteers enjoying themselves as well.  

Learn more on how you can volunteer your time to leave an impact on New York City children here!