People find delight in various ways. For Wendy Rodriguez, the place that she finds most enjoyable is behind a camera. 

That is why Rodriguez started her own photography business, W. Rodriguez Photography. It is something that gives Rodriguez much exhilaration, too. 

“I feel inspired and joyful when creatively capturing special moments for others,” Rodriguez said. “Many of us are so busy looking toward our future that we miss out on really sitting and enjoying our present day. So we often use photography as a means to look back on still frames in our past that evokes some of those nostalgic memories that we didn’t get to fully enjoy.” 

Operating her own photography business isn’t the only thing Rodriguez is involved with. 

Rodriguez recently volunteered with the Newton Arts Association by photographing the Live at Legion Concert Series. She helped organize the inaugural Mercado Agrícola at the Covington Farmers Market in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 30. 

Being a part of such an event was special for Rodriguez. 

“Photographing the growing diversity in our city and county has been overwhelmingly fulfilling. I have truly enjoyed the commitment from active leaders who continue to find ways to unify our growing diverse community,” Rodriguez said. “Aside from documenting through photography, I enjoy giving back to the community that poured into me. I’m excited to be able to embrace my Latinx identity and share it with our community. It feels so great to have contributed to this year’s celebration.” 

Additionally, Rodriguez is the president of marketing and communications for the Atlanta Young alumni, a volunteer with Emory at Oxford College and helps with service projects through Emory Cares. 

Rodriguez’s main mission is to be a “resource for current students and alumni whenever they need guidance.” 

Rodriguez’s parents found their “dream home” in Covington after moving from Miami, Florida in 2003. Rodriguez is a first generation Colombian-American. 

She then graduated from Eastside High School with honors, graduated from Emory University and graduated cum laude with her master’s degree from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. 

Accomplishing so much would not be possible without the help of so many people. 

“Through the dedicated mentorship and emotional support from many exceptional individuals in Newton County throughout my formative years, I was able to break through a lot of barriers…,” Rodriguez said. 

At present, Rodriguez hopes to pay it forward for the people coming behind her. 

“My biggest motivation is to embody the role of being an ‘exceptional individual’ in Newton County that someone once was for me,” Rodriguez said.