ABC 10’s Yooper Hero

ISHPEMING — For our first segment of Yooper Heroes, we sat down with a Marquette native who is a Mom of three and very passionate about helping out her community.

Tia Rodda born and raised in Marquette is a full-time super Mom. Not only does she raise three kids and has a full-time job, but also volunteers as much as possible.

“Just try to help out as much as I can and volunteer as much as I can,” said Yooper Hero, Tia Rodda. Tia was recently named Volunteer of the year by the Ishpeming-Negaunee Chamber of Commerce. Some of her past work has been with races, fundraisers, an instructor for a local middle school’s dance team, and one of her favorites, helping out with the annual Ishpeming Fourth of July parade.

“Well I’m extremely passionate about the Fourth of July. I’m a big softy for the red, white, and blue, all of that is extremely important to me. To be able to be involved in the Fourth of July, I just love it,” said Rodda. Tia’s volunteer activities have also rubbed off on her children, who are heavily involved with volunteer efforts at their schools, Aspen Ridge and Westwood.

Being the volunteer Yooper Hero of the month, Tia encourages others to get out there and do the same. “There’s always a need for volunteers. I don’t think people realize with local events, how much is volunteer driven and how anyone can be involved and get involved, I don’t know if a lot of people realize that there’s so much they can do and it’s important,” said Rodda.

If you know of an unsung hero in the U.P. who is doing something small that is making a huge difference, let Melanie Palmer know. Shoot Melanie an email at mpalmer@abc10up.com or message her on Facebook at Melanie Palmer.