Alicia Rodriguez

Alicia Rodriguez may call Vienna home these days, but her journey began in a small village on the southern coast of Spain. Growing up surrounded by nature and local farming communities, she found herself drawn to the hidden narratives of gender equality and rural development. By the age of 16, she was already a voice for change in her community, advocating for equal opportunities in agriculture.

Her curiosity led her far from the fields of Spain to the bustling metropolis of Beijing, where she graduated as a Yenching Scholar at Peking University. There, she dove deep into the intersection of social and sustainable development, immersing herself in the complexities of global change.

Currently working at SOS Children’s Villages International, Alicia champions youth participation and innovation on a global scale. She spearheaded the creation of the Opportunities Board, a digital platform that opens doors for young people worldwide to engage, connect, and lead. Through her work, she’s supported countless young entrepreneurs in shaping their futures—turning ideas into action and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals along the way.

Alicia’s passion doesn’t stop at youth empowerment and digital innovation. On weekends, you’ll find her exploring the Austrian Alps or traveling mindfully—always with sustainability at the core. She believes that life is an adventure best experienced ethically, thoughtfully, and with a healthy dose of unorthodox thinking.

And if there’s one thing she knows for sure, it’s that young people have the power to shape the future. You just need to give them the space—and Wi-Fi.