PLP 2010 Profile: Gloria Rockhold

Name: Gloria Maria Rockhold 

Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Born in Asuncion, Paraguay and grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

Current Digs: Charlottesville, Virginia 

Occupation: Community Engagement Manager, Albemarle County Schools 

Favorite part about the job: Designing sustainable programs to motivate disengaged families in becoming active participants in the educational process of their children. 

Your first job ever? My first job was answering phones at my mother’s company when I was 10 years old. My first paid summer job was working at a bank one summer vacation in Asuncion, Paraguay, I was in 9th grade. 

Favorite book? One Hundred Years of Solitude by Garcia Marquez 

Favorite movie? Gentlemen’s Agreement 

Comfort food? Sweet juicy oranges and a specific variety of tangerines grown in Paraguay 

What's in your car CD player right now? Piazzola, JJ Cale, Cesaria Evora, Al Green 

Next journey? National Park of Sintra-Cascais, Portugal 

Favorite Virginia vacation spot? Blue Ridge Parkway in the Fall or Spring 

First political memory? Debating the pros and cons of the military dictatorship in Paraguay with my grandfather. Sitting in my uncle’s living room listening to him discuss Louisiana politics with Governor Jimmy Davis. 

Best advice you ever got? “Fools are those who think everyone else is a fool” 

If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? Wangari Matthai because of her persistent struggle for democracy, human rights and environmental conservation as well as empowering women. 

One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I survived being run over by a train. 

Ambition, political or otherwise? To help grow Latino/Hispanic leaders and inspire active participation in the democratic process.