Undefeated and Unstoppable: Rodney’s Path to Purpose
In his own words, Rodney Badger proudly shares that he is “a brother, son, friend—and a former youth in foster care.” He is also one of Heartshare’s American Dream Program (ADP) scholars and, this past year, he shared his powerful story for the first time as a finalist for 2025 Youth of the Year. Raised in Queens, New York, Rodney is now a 24-year-old scholar, aspiring actor and model, and a passionate mental health advocate. But his journey was far from easy.
At 16, Rodney entered foster care—a transition that brought both pain and possibility. Leaving behind the familiar and finding a new home with his foster mother, who welcomed him and his two younger siblings, Rodney experienced the power of stability and family when he needed it most. “She gave me the family bond I desperately needed,” Rodney recalls, reflecting on a relationship that became a turning point in his life.
Navigating the foster care system was challenging: constant changes, restrictions, and the struggle to find his own voice. Yet Rodney persevered, graduating from high school and joining the American Dream Program at Heartshare, which focuses on helping youth complete high school, access college, and build the skills needed for employment readiness.
The American Dream Program is where Rodney found independence, community, and his ADP coach Yan. When describing his relationship with his coach, Rodney noted Yan’s support has led him to a new sense of empowerment. “I’m deeply grateful to have him by my side—not only to help me navigate my academic journey, but also as someone I can speak with openly about real-life challenges. His consistent support and encouragement mean a great deal to me. He has helped me realize that I am capable of doing hard things and achieving whatever I set my mind to.” And even when college didn’t go as planned, Yan’s belief in Rodney’s potential pushed him to keep moving forward. He and Yan worked together to uncover Rodney's other passion for performing arts which led him to eventually apply and start attending acting school.
Therapy became another cornerstone for Rodney, helping him work through trauma, confront the pain of being misunderstood as a proud gay man, and ultimately, accept himself. “Those conversations opened doors to healing and acceptance,” he shares.
By the age of 20, Rodney felt compelled to give back. Inspired by the support he received—from his foster mother, his therapist, his ADP coach Yan, and his faith—he joined the Youth Advocacy Board with Fair Futures, a youth-led advocacy group comprising young people with experience in NYC’s foster care system, amplifying his voice to inspire others who are still struggling.
I’ve learned to embrace vulnerability, to share my story unapologetically, and to see myself not as a victim, but as a survivor.
After bravely sharing his story, Heartshare wanted to recognize the tremendous growth Rodney had displayed. In conjunction with his new passion for acting, we invited Rodney to share a poem at Heartshare’s Fall Benefit, "The Undefeated" by Kwame Alexander. The poem serves as a tribute to those who keep pushing forward, no matter what they face; a sentiment Rodney resonated with immediately. Although delivering a speech in front of a large audience was nerve-racking, Rodney rose to the challenge, knowing this was an opportunity to let his voice be heard. “The morning of the Benefit, I felt extremely nervous and spent considerable time mentally preparing for the event. Alongside those nerves, I also felt an immense sense of gratitude, as I was very aware of the impact I was making by choosing to participate. After delivering my speech, I experienced a strong sense of relief and positivity. The kind words and support I received afterward made the evening incredibly meaningful and truly unforgettable.”
Today, Rodney stands as a survivor, not a victim. He defines rising as refusing to let the past dictate his future, transforming pain into power, and practicing radical acceptance. When asked about the future, Rodney shared, “Looking ahead, the next milestone I see myself working toward is continuing to place myself in spaces where I can openly share my experiences and vulnerabilities—particularly around the passions that drive me to create a meaningful impact. After giving my speech at Benefit, I realized this is the work I want to continue pursuing. In addition, I see myself building a career in the entertainment industry, specifically in acting and modeling.”
Rodney’s journey is ongoing, but today he stands proud, grateful, and determined to use his experiences to light the way for others. His story proves that no matter where you start, there is always hope—and a path forward.