Nola Rodney and her family garnered widespread attention when they recently hosted President Dr. Irfaan Ali at their beloved Guyanese bar – Waterfall Lounge – in Brooklyn, New York.
The visit, which took place as part of the President’s community outreach tour, highlighted the growing influence of the Guyanese diaspora and marked a significant moment for the venue.
However, in a zoom interview with the News Room on Monday, the philanthropist was keen to underscore that her efforts are not driven by political motives, but rather by a deep commitment to the wellbeing of the Caribbean diaspora in New York, particularly the Guyanese community.
Rodney expressed her excitement for the upcoming launch of several community-focused initiatives, including a new mental health programme titled: ‘Chill & Chat’, set to begin on October 17.
The programme will offer an eight-week series of group sessions where participants can engage with a therapist in a relaxed, conversational setting.
“Our focus is not just on entrepreneurship or offering services, but truly giving back in ways that are needed right now,” she said.
“Mental care is at the core of what we’re doing. We want to provide a space where people can tap into their mental wellbeing, feel comfortable, and even have fun while addressing what’s going on in their minds and bodies,” she added.
The mental health initiative comes as part of Rodney’s broader Community Hub Initiative, which will also offer digital literacy workshops.
These programs are intended to help local community members navigate the challenges of an increasingly digital world while fostering personal growth and communal connection.
Roberts said she was able to share her vision with the Guyanese Head of State and has received commitment of support.
“It was an incredible experience to host President Ali and share our mental health and tech literacy initiatives with him.
“It’s vital to build these bridges between our community here and back home. His administration is eager to support these efforts, and it’s all about fostering collaboration and creating positive change,” she explained.
Rodney continued to clarify that she has no political agenda.
“We’re very proud to have presented our initiatives to him. It’s not about politics; it’s about service. Our goal is to help people, to provide them with the resources they need to thrive,” she added.
However, despite the positive momentum, Rodney acknowledged that hosting the President was not without its controversy, with some members of the diaspora expressing dissenting views. When asked about the “backlash”, she responded with a pragmatic attitude.
“Whenever there’s positivity, there’s always going to be someone who opposes it,” she said.
“That’s just part of life. What matters is that we focus on solutions and continue pushing forward. I’m not worried about negativity; I’m focused on what we’re doing and how we can help the community,” she added.
Looking ahead, Rodney’s Community Hub Initiative will continue to expand, with future plans to include workshops on financial literacy.
Rodney’s initiatives are open to all, and she reiterated her gratitude for the ongoing support from the community, both in Brooklyn and beyond.
While the programmes are free to participants, Rodney is actively seeking additional donors and resources to sustain them.
The interview also touched on the legacy of giving back within the Rodney family. Nola’s mother, Doris Rodney, has long been a fixture in the Brooklyn community, known for her generosity and commitment to uplifting others.
For those interested in supporting Rodney’s initiatives, she can be reached via email at nola@theonenolaroe.com.
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