Introducing Sophia Goodner-Rodriguez, our new co-president

After a 10-year-long break from the FGG, we are incredibly happy to welcome Sophia Goodner-Rodriguez back to the board, this time as co-president.

Sophia, for those who don’t know you from your last stint on the board, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself.

Hello! I’m Sophia Goodner-Rodriguez, currently serving as a Director of the Public & Social Impact Client Team at Slalom, where I lead our Justice business globally. My work spans across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, focusing on transformative tech solutions for government, education, and nonprofit entities. Openly identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community, I am passionate about leveraging my professional expertise to advocate for inclusivity and diversity in all spheres of life, including sports and technology.

Personally, I enjoy balancing my professional life with diverse interests such as property management, mentoring within my community, and actively participating in sports. Being a resident of Texas and having served on various boards, including currently completing my term with the Alzheimer’s Association-SASTX Chapter, I cherish contributing to societal well-being and empowerment. I currently live in San Antonio with my wife of 4 years this month (Happy Anniversary), our daughter (Junior Olympian in Track & Field), and our rescue pup Dakota.

You were last on the board 10 years ago. What was your position and which Games were you involved with?

Previously, I served on the board of directors as the Officer of Diversity, an enriching role that allowed me to contribute to organizing and promoting inclusivity in sports. During my tenure, I was deeply involved in the strategic planning and execution of initiatives that aimed to make the Games accessible and enjoyable for everyone. I had the opportunity to put forth our first gender identity and inclusion policies that were a big part of my 2019 acceptance of my Honorary Life Member nomination. I had the pleasure of attending Gay Games IX (2014) in Cleveland + Akron, USA and Gay Games X (2018) in Paris, France; participating in athletics and golf—an incredibly exhilarating and uniting experience. This role was not only about sports and culture; it was about creating a platform where people from all walks of life could come together and celebrate diversity through the power of sports and culture. 

What role as sports played in your life, bringing you ultimately to the board of the Gay Games?

Sports have been a significant part of my life for many years. I have been a part of USA Track & Field since elementary school, state medal holder in High School, competing at the D1 level for University of Tulsa in college, and now an official and coach for USATF and AAU Athletics. I still compete in flag football with the San Antonio Flying Chanclitas, Olympic Weightlifting with San Antonio Bexar Barbell, and masters competition in the horizontal jumps (LJ/TJ) with KCEL Athletics. I’ve participated in these sports at the Gay Games, which was a fantastic experience that highlighted the joy and camaraderie of competing with fellow athletes from around the globe.Having clinched a few medals over the years, the spirit of participation and pushing my personal limits has been incredibly rewarding. I’m always open to exploring new sports and enjoy the challenge and excitement they bring.

What inspired you to come back to the FGG board, this time as a Co-President, and what do you hope to achieve in your new role?

Joining the Federation as Co-President felt like a natural progression in my journey to advocate for equality and inclusivity. The inspiration came from my professional experiences at Slalom, where I've implemented large-scale projects that require nuanced leadership and strategic foresight. These skills are directly applicable to leading the Federation, where strategic growth and inclusivity are paramount. My aim is to leverage my background in management and technology to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Gay Games and ensure they continue to be a beacon of hope and celebration for the community.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the Gay Games, and how do you plan to address them?

One of the significant challenges facing the Gay Games is ensuring financial sustainability, broadening our participant base, and increasing participation among women. My approach to addressing these issues involves strengthening partnerships with global sponsors and enhancing our marketing strategies to reach wider and more diverse audiences. Additionally, we need to actively promote and support women's participation across all sports, creating targeted campaigns and initiatives that encourage more women to join and compete. By leveraging technology to streamline operations, we can offer more inclusive and diverse programs that resonate with all community members, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate and celebrate diversity through sports.

What do you see as the strengths of the co-president leadership model, and how do you envision working with your counterpart?

The co-president model fosters a balanced leadership approach, combining diverse perspectives and shared responsibilities. This structure is particularly powerful in addressing the complex needs of our community. As I step into this role, I am deeply inspired by our outgoing co-president, Joanie Evans, a remarkable leader who has not only led with distinction but also brought her unique perspective as a Black woman to the forefront. I, too, share this identity and am committed to continuing the legacy she has helped build. This current collaboration, with Jan Schneider, will involve leveraging his invaluable experience and insights to ensure that our leadership continues to reflect the values of teamwork, inclusivity, and strength in diversity. Together, we aim to foster a collaborative and supportive environment that champions the success of the Gay Games and all its participants.

As we welcome Sophia back to the FGG board, we also want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to Joanie Evans. Her dedication and contributions to the Games over so many years have left a lasting mark on our organization, and whilst we will miss her, we wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life.