Building a Brighter West District, Together!
Proud to be endorsed by
ABOUT
TALIA RODRIGUEZ
Talia Rodriguez, J.D. is a dedicated leader in Buffalo’s advocacy community, committed to uplifting neglected and diverse neighborhoods. With degrees from the University at Buffalo School of Law, SUNY Empire State University, and St. John Fisher University, Talia has focused her career on advancing food justice, educational equity, and support for underserved communities.
As a mother raising her young son on Buffalo’s West Side, she works to instill the values of hard work and possibility, both in her family and in her advocacy. Her work centers on fostering positive outcomes for families and communities in need, making her a vital force for change in Buffalo.
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She's running to be the West District's Buffalo Public School Board Member to bring our voices to the table. Vote for Talia Rodriguez for West District on Tuesday, November 4!
Board Member Janita Everhart, Board Member Sharon Cottman, Board Member Paulette Woods, Board of Education Vice President Cindi McEachon, Board Member Terri Schuta, Board of Education President Dr. Kathy Evans Brown, Erie County Legislator Taisha St. Jean Tard, Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre, Erie County Legislator Michael Kooshoian, Erie County, Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope, Buffalo Common, Buffalo Common Councilmember Joel Feroleto, Buffalo Common Councilmember Joseph Golombek
Talia's Track Record
Talia Rodriguez has a long-standing record of service and advocacy that reflects her deep commitment to Buffalo’s families. She played a central role in launching Buffalo Public Schools’ Saturday Academy, developing the district’s Community School model, and creating initiatives like the Lafayette High School business competition.
A fierce advocate for food justice, she helped establish two school-based food pantries and strengthened summer meal programs for students. Her leadership extends beyond schools—she’s served as a union representative with United University Professions (UUP), secured critical funding for grassroots organizations, and chaired the annual WNY Women’s March. With experience at Say Yes Buffalo, Buffalo State University, and West Side Promise Neighborhood, she has championed educational equity and student achievement across sectors.
Talia also completed a one-year internship at the U.S. Supreme Court focused on human trafficking and family violence. She currently serves on the boards of OPEN Buffalo, the Boys & Girls Clubs of WNY, and the West Side Business & Taxpayers Association. With over $10,000 raised and endorsements from Run For Something, 1199SEIU, SMART Local 71, UFCW Local One, and more, Talia’s campaign is fueled by grassroots momentum and a powerful vision for public schools that uplift every child and every family.
Talia's Platform
Strengthening Education
Every child deserves access to a high-quality, culturally responsive education. Talia is committed to defending, preserving, and strengthening the public education in Buffalo. This includes responsible budgeting, and public engagement. Talia’s work with Buffalo State University, Say Yes Buffalo, and West Side Promise Neighborhood focused on closing opportunity gaps and uplifting underserved students.
Food Justice in Schools
BPS is the largest driver of nutrition for students, and students learn best when they’re well-nourished. Talia believes that healthy meals must be accessible year-round, and that schools can and should play a role in addressing community-wide disparities and needs, Talia helped launch food pantries and expand summer lunch programs in Buffalo Public Schools.
Workforce Readiness & Real-Life Learning
Buffalo Public School students need pathways to good jobs and careers after graduation. Additionally, Talia believes the district should capture stronger data around students who work, adult learners, and post-BPS education endeavors. Talia has built bridges between schools, local businesses, labor unions, and higher ed to create real-world learning and career opportunities. Talia believes that educational models are successful & relevant when they are qualitatively and quantitively informed.
Innovation and Wrap-around Inclusion
The West District is the most diverse district, and language should never be a barrier to success. Talia believes that bilingual, multilingual, and ESL students & families deserve stronger support and improved communication. Schools must support the whole child: academic, emotional, and social needs included. Talia helped develop Buffalo’s Community School model and secured funding for programs serving vulnerable families.