Our Story

Iman's Light: A Mother's Love

We started this foundation after fentanyl took someone we loved. Now we walk alongside other families going through the same thing, with honest information and real support.

How We Started

A Life Full of Light

Iman's Light Foundation began at a kitchen table. Our family started it to keep Iman's spirit alive after we lost her to fentanyl. She was a bright, caring presence in our community, and no family should have to go through what we went through.

That heartbreak turned into a mission. We realized that by sharing our story honestly, we could help protect other children from the same thing. We want kids to grow up safe, in a community that actually looks out for them.

Since then, we've built a real community of support around Iman's memory. We believe love and education are our best tools. When we stand together and actually listen to each other, we can guide our kids toward safer, healthier lives.

The Mission

Our mission comes from personal loss: teach people the honest truth about synthetic opioids, push for safety in our schools and neighborhoods, and be there for families who need mental health support or just someone to talk to.

Our Hope for the Future

We want a community where mental health is taken seriously, where families feel supported instead of alone, and where every child is safe. That's what we're working toward, in Iman's memory.

What Guides Us

Our Heartfelt Values

Honest Conversations

We talk openly with parents and kids, and we give them real facts without judgment.

Deep Compassion

Everyone is welcome here. We offer a safe space and real support when people need it most.

Community Care

We push for policies that put our kids' safety first.

Healing Together

Grief is hard to carry alone. We provide counseling and resources to help families heal side by side.

Hand in Hand

We work closely with schools, parents, and local health workers. None of this works if we try to do it alone.

Iman’s Spirit

Every family we support carries a little of Iman's kindness forward.

Our Leadership

The Board & Advisors

A community of dedicated leaders, educators, and volunteers bringing light where it is needed most.

Mari C. Rodriguez

Founder & President

After losing her daughter Iman to fentanyl, Mari built this foundation, which now reaches tens of thousands of people. Her work honors Iman and tries to make sure other mothers don't go through the same loss.

Brianna A. Rodriquez

Vice President

Iman's younger sister. Brianna leads youth outreach and has become a steady, strong presence for the community.

Maria E. Liriano

Treasurer

An entrepreneur for over 30 years in real estate and escrow. Maria manages the foundation’s finances and makes sure every dollar goes toward our education and counseling work.

Mercy M. Preciado

Outreach Community Chair

A spiritual counselor with a master’s degree in psychology. Mercy connects individuals and families with mental health services, combining her clinical training with spiritual guidance.

Dunia Cuneo

Volunteer Director

An educator and HR professional with over 25 years of experience. Dunia uses that background to mentor our volunteers and support the foundation’s community outreach.

Brittany DeMeo

Recording Secretary

Brittany joined the foundation after seeing how fentanyl was affecting our region. As recording secretary, she keeps our operations organized so resources get where they’re needed quickly.

Libby L. Calero

PR & Sponsor Development

Over 25 years in hospitality and PR, including work with DJ Irie and Jamie Foxx. Libby uses her network to bring visibility and sponsorships to the foundation.

Victor H. Jinete

Audio Visual Director

Known as "Vic The Kid," Victor is a Latin music artist who creates content for the foundation and shows younger fans that you don't need drugs to be happy or successful.

Naylin Rizo, LMHC

Psychology Advisor

A licensed mental health counselor with over 14 years of experience working with teens and adults on trauma and addiction. She makes sure our mental health programs are clinically sound.

Natalie Cruz, MSW

Social Work Advisor

A social worker for over 25 years. Natalie has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Thomas University and a master’s in social work from Florida International University. She currently manages a hospital case management department, coordinating care so patients get what they need after they leave the hospital.

Nicolas Su Nobrega

IT & Web Developer

A cybersecurity student at FIU, Nicolas builds and maintains the foundation’s website and keeps our systems and data secure.

Voices of Support

Letters of Support

Endorsements from our school counselors, mental health partners, and community organizers.

"Through the Iman's Light Foundation, you offer students critical knowledge they often have not encountered before—particularly regarding the dangers of substance abuse, marijuana use, vaping, and fentanyl. Your approach creates a safe, welcoming environment where students feel comfortable asking questions without fear of judgment."

Eduardo SabillonCounselor, Kinloch Park Middle School

"Dr. Rodriguez has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to empowering individuals through education and awareness. What distinguishes her approach is her ability to share lived experiences in a way that fosters trust, understanding, and meaningful dialogue."

Francesco Buberli PhD, MPH, MSCEO, Survivors' Pathway Corporation

"Your presentation offered critical, evidence-based information regarding the dangers of counterfeit pills, fentanyl contamination, and emerging synthetic substances. This education directly supports our ability to provide safe, informed, and responsive care to the individuals we serve."

The Leadership TeamBehavior Support Center of Florida

"Her ability to combine professional expertise with personal experience sets her apart as a true leader in prevention and community outreach. The workshops she has conducted in partnership with us have not only increased awareness but also fostered safe spaces for dialogue."

Natalia AngaritaDirector of Special Affairs, Drug-Free World Foundation South Florida

"Imans Light Foundation has demonstrated a strong commitment to educating our youth and community members on the dangers of lethal synthetic drugs, vaping, and overall substance misuse. Their workshops are informative, engaging, and rooted in compassion and evidence-based practices."

Romnie VertusProgram Coordinator, S.A.R.A. / Prosperity Social & Community Development Group

Recognition