Emmanuel “Manny” Rodríguez-Vasquez is the Youth Co-Chair of the Defeat the Streets Advisory Board and a rising community leader shaped by the culture, diversity, and grit of New York City. Proudly Puerto Rican and Dominican, Manny is on track to become the first man in his father’s family to graduate from college. He is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology at John Jay College, where he maintains a 3.8 GPA, with a minor in Philosophy and a Certification in Addiction Studies.

Manny has been deeply involved in youth-centered programs such as APPLE Corps, the Urban Male Initiative, and My Brother’s Keeper, experiences that have shaped his mission to uplift young men of color. As a mentor, he focuses on empowerment, emotional resilience, academic confidence, and leadership—meeting young people exactly where they are and helping them rise to where they want to be.

He believes that community is where real change begins, where challenges are visible and solutions take root. Manny’s volunteer work at shelters, food banks, camps, and youth programs reflects his conviction that cooperation and care rebuild the social contract.

In his role with Defeat the Streets, Manny brings lived experience, cultural fluency, academic insight, and a deep belief that service is both a responsibility and a path forward. He represents the next generation of changemakers—grounded in empathy, integrity, and the belief that every young person carries the potential to create meaningful impact. <