Meet Christina Rodriguez | Founder of Latinas with Masters & Future Doctora in Education

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christina, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Upon receiving my acceptance letter into my doctoral program, I asked myself, “What do I wish I could have had during graduate school that would have helped me fight against my own feelings of imposter syndrome?” I took a leap of faith and went with my instincts on creating Latinas with Masters to feel a sense of belonging; to showcase diverse representation of Latinas who have completed their Master’s program and support those who are embarking on their new academic journey. My vision for Latinas with Masters was to Inspire, Empower & Educate nuestra comunidad and future generation leaders with equitable pathways, academic advancement and professional growth in a safe, positive and supportive environment. To dismantle the ways in which we as Latinos experience higher education and be proud to show up as our authentic selves.  My core values is to be a champion of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the spaces we live, work and learn all while embracing and preserving nuestra cultura Latina! Latinas with Masters is more than just a degree, it’s a community beyond academia!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started working in Multi-family housing as a leasing agent while I was attending community college. The schedule was flexible enough for me to go to school full time while working full time and on the weekends. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Latina/o Studies from San Francisco State University, more opportunities continued to open in Multi-family and I took every opportunity I could possible to move my way up in this industry. When I decided to go back to school to attain my MBA, I got an opportunity to work in the Marketing and Education department in a private firm and was fortunate to receive hands on experience while applying my MBA education in this role.

Now that I work at the corporate level and attend marketing and multi-family conferences, it’s disheartening to see that the higher you get, the less you see Latinas/Latinos/Latinx represented in these spaces. I have been working in Multi-family for over 15+ years and when I walk into a conference, I immediately try to find attendees and speakers that look like me and oftentimes I am disappointed. However, it motivates me even more to show up in these spaces and helps me encourage more Latinas/Latinos/Latinx who are interested in pursuing a career in Multi-family to go for it! It’s possible for them to be these spaces and I am here to be a mentor if they need someone to support them along their journey.

That’s why I provide so much housing information within my Latinas with Masters content because it is subject that is not often discussed in academia. I am here to be an ally and supporter to my community who wants to advance their career in housing or know their rights as tenants to secure permanent housing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love everything about San Francisco! I would most likely take them to a Nicaraguan restaurant to eat a big plate of Fritanga ( carne asada, gallo pinto, queso frito, maduro and ensalada) with a side drink of Milca ( red strawberry soda) I would then take them to Mitchell’s Ice Cream for a double scoop of Rum Raisin ice cream and hang out in front of the store while I tell them how I use to make frequent visits to the laundry mat across the street with my mom and siblings when I was a little girl. We would then go site seeing and drive up and down the hills of San Francisco trying to find the perfect spot to take a selfie for the gram. The day would end us hitting up a local lounge as they play old school R &B & Hip Hop music mostly likely Double Dutch!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out my loving and supportive husband Saul! All of the #jefamoves I am making for Latinas with Masters and as a graduate student in my doctoral program would not be possible without his unconditional support. He helps me in so many ways that allows me to show up for others in need and I appreciate him very much beyond words.

Website: www.latinaswithmasters.com

Instagram: @latinaswithmasters

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/latinas-with-masters/

Twitter: @latinaswmasters

Facebook: www.facebook.com/latinaswithmasters

Youtube: Latinas with Masters

Other: Latinas with Masters Podcast ~ Available on all podcasting platforms

Image Credits
Latinas with Masters Instagram Citlalli Pacheco ~ Latinas with Masters Testimonials