For over two decades, Rodrigo Gutiérrez has worked to foster a community of informed, motivated, and supported mathematics educators. Guided by the fundamental belief that leaders are not born, they are mentored, Rodrigo has focused mentorship efforts on developing teacher agency and leadership in K-12 classrooms, university initiatives, and professional learning settings. As Co-Director of the University of Arizona (UA) Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers (CRR), Rodrigo supports teachers, schools, families, and communities throughout Arizona. For five years, he has spearheaded CRR’s IMPACTS-MS Program (Improving Mathematical Problem Solving, Agency, and Student-centered Instruction for Teachers and Students-Middle School) to develop teacher capacity, build a professional community, and cultivate leadership from within the mathematics classroom. This program targets teachers in under-resourced schools, with few professional learning opportunities to address the complex needs of marginalized youth who often have inadequate access to high-quality STEM education. Just as teachers commit to their professional growth, Rodrigo commits to acknowledging teacher experiences, efforts, and professional knowledge. He creates environments for teachers to feel confident, capable, and part of a community that is growing together. While high numbers of mathematics teachers typically leave the profession within five years, Rodrigo’s mentorship fosters a sense of belonging, community, purpose, and agency for teachers to not only remain in the classroom but also lead the field. Rodrigo earned a B.A. in political science from Stanford University, an M.Ed. in teacher leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a Ph.D. in mathematics education from UA.