Our Story

Daughters Without Dads founder MaryAnne Rodriguez grew up with her two brothers in a small, midwestern city. Raised by her incredibly selfless single mother, MaryAnne’s father was out of her life more than he was in it. MaryAnne thrived, despite the emotional and financial burden this placed on her and her family, through the support of her mom + brothers, not to mention her own tenacity. For her own career in higher education, MaryAnne applied for and was awarded over 30 scholarships. Without that assistance, college might not have been an option for MaryAnne.

MaryAnne has used her experience of growing up without a dad to fuel her passion for living an intentional and meaningful life as a wife, mother, business owner + community advocate. Through years of therapy, mentorship and surrounding herself with women who share similar hardships, MaryAnne felt called to give back to those who find themselves walking in similar shoes. In 2020, DWD was born, with the hope and promise of empowering the generations of girls that follow the same path. MaryAnne is thrilled to meet the DWD recipients, and looks forward to growing the ranks of strong and successful daughters without dads.