About Us
Off The Field Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering star athletes by providing them with the resources and support needed to succeed during and after their sports careers. Our mission is to ensure that athletes not only excel in their athletic endeavors but also their personal, financial, and professional lives. Our comprehensive programs focus on five key pillars: mental health and wellness, life skills development, career planning, cultural transition, and financial literacy.
Founded with a deep understanding of the unique challenges that athletes face, both on and off the field, our foundation is driven by the belief that success in sports should translate into long-term personal fulfillment. We recognize that athletes often encounter immense pressure, and navigating life beyond sports can be challenging. That’s why we provide the education, tools, and mentorship needed to ensure a smooth and fulfilling transition to life after sports.
Our holistic approach addresses every aspect of an athlete’s well-being, from mental health support to career development and financial education. By fostering partnerships with experts across various fields, we offer athletes access to top-tier guidance and resources to help them build sustainable futures.
Our Mission
Our mission is to equip athletes with the education, resources, and support necessary to achieve their full potential in every aspect of their lives. We believe that with the right tools, athletes can succeed off the field just as they do on it, creating lasting legacies that go beyond sports.
Our Vision
We envision a world where athletes are empowered to thrive in all areas of their lives, equipped with the skills and support to confidently navigate challenges and transitions. We aim to be the leading foundation that supports athletes in achieving long-term success, personal growth, and financial stability.
Our Values
Empowerment: We believe in providing athletes with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their lives, both on and off the field.
Collaboration: We work hand-in-hand with industry experts, mentors, and partners to deliver our athletes the highest level of support.
Integrity: We are committed to transparency, accountability, and doing what is right for the athletes we serve.
Sustainability: We aim to create long-term solutions that help athletes build successful and sustainable futures.
Diversity: We celebrate and support athletes from all backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity in every program we offer.
Why We Exist
As a fully charitable organization, Off The Field Foundation was created to address the critical gap in resources available to athletes facing the transition from sports to life beyond the game. Many athletes struggle with mental health challenges, career uncertainty, and financial management after their playing days are over. Our programs are designed to empower athletes with the tools they need to navigate these challenges and build lasting, fulfilling futures.
Our commitment is to provide holistic support that covers every dimension of an athlete’s well-being, ensuring they have the education, mentorship, and resources necessary to succeed. Whether they are seeking mental health support, career planning, financial literacy, or help adapting to new cultural environments, Off The Field Foundation is here to guide them every step of the way.
Join us in our mission to create a brighter future for athletes, where success extends far beyond the field. Together, we can help athletes achieve greatness both in sports and in life.
Meet The Board
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Founding MemberRafael E. Carlot, originally from the Dominican Republic, moved to Miami at 16 to pursue his passion for baseball. Drafted by the Miami Marlins in 2007, he chose to complete his education in accounting. Rafael gained experience in public accounting and private industry before founding REC Accounting & Consulting in 2021, a firm that serves athletes and small businesses.
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Founding MemberGeorge Rodriguez is a Dominican entrepreneur passionate about empowering clients in their financial and personal brand growth. With over three years as a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual, George co-founded Legacy Sports Financial, offering financial advice to high-performance athletes. His further experience at R&S Sports Management, Casa Brugal, and Rosen Hotels has given him the knowledge and unique edge needed to serve his clients.
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Founding MemberLuis Rodriguez developed a passion for baseball early on, becoming a top prospect and joining the NY Mets in 2004. He successfully transitioned out of his athletic career and obtained a Business Administration & Sports Management degree. Luis founded RS Sports Management in 2012 and later joined Northwestern Mutual as a Financial Representative. He co-founded the Lake Nona District, which has grown to 30 active Financial Advisors. Luis also established Legacy Sports Financial, providing financial planning for athletes and entertainment industry clients.
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Founding MemberMelissa is the proud daughter of Dominican parents and holds a Bachelor's and MBA from St. John's University. With experience at The Walt Disney Company, ESPN, and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Melissa has been a strong advocate for minor leaguers. She is MLBPA certified and founded her baseball agency, Reino Sports. Melissa enjoys outdoor activities and resides with her mother and grandmother in New York City.
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Founding MemberJose Ramos is a proud Dominican and the oldest of seven siblings. After a career in the Minor Leagues with the Chicago White Sox, he transitioned to sales before finding his passion for aviation. Aside from being a flight attendant and student pilot with a major airline, Jose promotes a healthy lifestyle and shares fitness insights with a community of over 1.7 million followers on social media. With over 10 years of professional experience, he excels in leadership, teamwork, and mentorship, thriving in fast-paced environments while helping others reach their full potential.
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Adriana Valbuena, based in Houston, TX, is a Sports Psychologist and Mental Performance Coach with 15 years of experience. She has worked with high-performance athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic Games and professional athletes in sports such as boxing, golf, soccer, tennis, and baseball. Adriana is skilled at working with multicultural and bilingual teams to help athletes achieve their performance goals.
