Brotherhood Sister Sol, where nature nurtures

Nando Rodriguez, 42, runs the environmental program at Brotherhood Sister Sol, or BroSis, a youth development non-profit in Harlem. Nando was part of the inaugural class of BroSis members.

Nando hopes that through his programs, workshops and guidance, students like Satnam Chaudary, 16, are able to learn skills that will empower them throughout their lives.

Miguel Rosario, 16, reaches for a turtle. Lessons and mentorship at BroSis include discussion about identity, gender and community.

A group of BroSis members hang out in the community garden. BroSis uses strategies to engage young people such as creating an environment that fosters friendship and camaraderie. Nando believes this is the way to draw young people into learning about the environment and social justice.

Nando Rodriguez delivers a composting sifter he built to a colleague at another community garden in Harlem.

Nando Rodriguez and his teammate, Gabe Maldonado, speak to a BroSis member’s mother who confided in them about her empty nest after her daughter left for college. In addition to managing their programming, Nando spends time getting to know members of the community, inviting them into the garden and offering a 24/7 composting drop-off for the neighborhood to contribute to.

Ijendu Obasi, a Green Thumb outreach coordinator, speaks to Nando about developments Nando has made in the garden. Nando designed compost boxes for other gardens across the city to help them with their composting programs.

In addition to his work in the environmental program, Nando is also involved with the community. He greets James Faucet, a retired nurse who lives in the neighborhood and visits the garden almost daily.

Nando conducts a survey of folks in the plaza outside of the BroSis office to assess the needs of people in the neighborhood. Many need to access federal aid for rent relief.

Nando drives home after a long day. Upon reaching home, he is on dad duty for his children, ages seven months, nine and 11.

Nando’s wife Soraia cares for their three children during the day, and Nando spends as much time as possible nurturing them, and showing them they are loved.

Being a father is a role Nando takes to heart after growingup in a single-parent home.