Bio

Me (yes, some years back!), who I like to describe as a runny-nosed kid from Lubbock, Texas, who wanted nothing more than to make his mother proud!

With Mary Forney and the late-great hall of fame jockey Garrett Gomez. At the release of his biography in Los Angeles.

With Mark Simon, the editor of the Thoroughbred Times, and Shane Ryan, the son of Tony Ryan, the founder of Ryanair airline, after winning the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award for The Untold Story of Joe Hernandez: The Voice of Santa Anita.

Presenting Sheila Ford Hemp, the owner of the Detroit Lions and philanthropist, with the key to the Henry Ford Birthplace at Greenfield Field Village. After a devastating fire I led the team that restored the home to pristine condition in time for the 100th anniversary of Ford's first car, the Quadricycle.

Rodolfo Alvarado is a versatile writer residing in Michigan, where he shares his life with his wife, children, and his beloved adopted cat, Stuffy. His impressive body of work spans across various mediums, including fiction and non-fiction pieces that have graced the pages of literary journals, academic and popular presses, as well as stage and screen.

Alvarado recently concluded his latest project, the captivating play titled "Undesirable Secrets." This powerful theatrical production draws inspiration from the extraordinary life of Anthony C. Acevedo, a heroic World War II medic and Holocaust survivor. With the full support of the Acevedo Family and the Anthony C. Acevedo Foundation, the play is set to make a profound impact. Under the guidance of esteemed director Dr. William Doll, a professor emeritus from Angelo State University and former head of the University Theatre, a readthrough will take place on January 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at The Holzman Auditorium at the Barshop Jewish Community Center of San Antonio. The read-through will serve as the closing event for Remembrance Month 2024, which is co-sponsored by the museum, the San Antonio Public Library, and the Anthony C. Acevedo Foundation.

On the academic front, Alvarado authored nine books that were featured in the America's Latinos Quick Reference Guide and Words That Matter: A Quick Reference Guide. These guides have garnered acclaim for their comprehensive coverage of subjects that deeply resonate with and impact the Latinx/o community. Alvarado's ability to approach these topics with both depth and conciseness has further solidified his reputation as a leading voice in exploring and shedding light on crucial issues.

In recognition of his exceptional storytelling abilities, Alvarado's children's podcast, "The Perla Garcia Mysteries," claimed victory at the Latin Podcast Awards in 2022-23. Adapted from his book series of the same name, this enchanting podcast captivates young listeners with thrilling tales. Moreover, Alvarado's literary accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as he was named an Emerging Latino Author by The Latino Book Review.

The prestigious Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award was bestowed upon Alvarado for his celebrated biography, "The Untold Story of Joe Hernandez: The Voice of Santa Anita." Additionally, he received recognition as a finalist for a second Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award and an Eclipse Award for his exceptional article on the late jockey, Garrett Gomez. Alvarado's compelling fictional works have been published by renowned outlets such as Arte Público Press' Piñata Books, The Americas Review, The Latino Book Review, Texas A&M University Press, Caballo Press, and Somos en escrito: The Latino Literary Online Magazine. Furthermore, his academic works were published by the University of Michigan Press, Michigan State University Press, The Texas Observer, Texas A&M University Press, and Alpha Books of New York.

Equipped with a Fine Arts Ph.D. and an MFA in Playwriting from Texas Tech University, as well as an MA in History from Eastern Michigan University (EMU), Alvarado's academic achievements have been further accentuated by his roles as a University Fellow and a Parks/King/Chavez Fellow during his tenure at EMU. Before devoting himself entirely to writing, he imparted his knowledge and passion as an educator at esteemed institutions such as the University of Michigan, Texas Tech University, Ave Maria University, and Eastern Michigan University. Outside of academia, Alvarado's professional endeavors included working for the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village and the Ford Motor Company, adding a unique breadth of experience to his repertoire.