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 was 18 when we lost her to fentanyl poisoning on May 15, 2023. Loving, funny, and quick witted, she cared deeply for animals, her friends, and the people around her. Her life, not just our loss, is at the heart of Iman's Light Foundation.

Iman dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. She was a gifted athlete; her mother, Mari, remembers her winning first place in the state in ninth grade. She also had a distinctive singing voice, a talent for drawing, and a natural gift for modeling and acting. She had so much to share with the world.

We carry Iman's name and light forward through education, awareness, and community support. By sharing her story and creating space for honest conversations, we honor who she was and work to help other families protect the young people they love.

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 connect families with resources and community support.

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. 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 supports the responsible use of resources for the mission.

In loving memory Mercy M. Preciado

Mercy M. Preciado

Outreach Community Chair

Our beloved Mercy passed away in October 2026. Her faith, dedication, and love remain part of our mission.

A spiritual counselor with a master’s degree in psychology. Mercy connected 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 Director

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.

Ephraim Murillo

Outreach Chair, Miami

Ephraim works with the foundation on outreach in Miami and surrounding communities, bringing his business and community connections to fundraising and awareness efforts.

Nicolas Su Nobrega

IT & Web Director

Originally from Peru and a cybersecurity graduate, Nicolas designed and built the foundation's website from the ground up, including the donation and ticketing system, the events database, and the admin dashboard the team uses every day. He's worked directly with the Foundation's leadership since 2025 to keep the site accurate, secure, and running.

Armond E. Johnson

Outreach

Armond E. Johnson brings over a decade of hands-on experience in community outreach, workforce development, youth empowerment, education, and social reform. As Director of New Civilization for Mighty Miami, he works across multiple community betterment initiatives. His experience includes CareerSource South Florida, executive membership with the Circle of Brotherhood, involvement with Sister Talk Inc., and leadership through Community Consultant Inc. and Other Side of the Bridge LLC. Known for building meaningful relationships, bridging organizations, and connecting underserved communities with opportunities and resources, Armond brings an established network, practical experience, and a commitment to service. His work reflects the outreach, prevention, and community engagement central to the mission of Iman's Light Foundation.

Naylin Rizo, LMHC

Advisory Committee Chair

A licensed mental health counselor with over 14 years of experience supporting children, teens, and adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, life transitions, and coexisting mental health and substance use concerns. Known for her compassionate, collaborative approach, Naylin serves as Advisory Committee Chair and helps guide the foundation’s mental health awareness, prevention, and community outreach.

Natalie Cruz, MSW

Health Advisory Committee

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.

Jackeline Alers

Advisory Chair for Grants, Branding & Structure

A fundraising strategist with over 25 years of experience across the corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors, having helped raise more than $80 million for organizations including the American Red Cross and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation. Jackeline guides the foundation’s grants, branding, and fundraising strategy.

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