Jessica Rodriguez

Jessica Rodriguez, PhD has a diverse and extensive work experience spanning over 18 years. Jessica'smost recent position is as the Director of Global Impact at La Isla Network, where they focus on driving global impact for the organization. Prior to this, they held the role of CEO/Principal at Strategic Thinking for Equitable Progress, LLC, where they applied a social justice lens to consulting and worked with leaders and changemakers to eliminate systemic oppressions.

Dr. Rodriguez has a strong background in research and academia. Jessica served as a Ph.D. Fellow at the Research Center on Gender, Diversity, and Intersectionality & Migration Institute. In this role, they built a worldwide network in migrant and refugee policies, intersectionality, racial and gender justice, and sustainable community development. Jessica also established international research coordination with scholars from various countries.

Earlier in their career, Dr. Rodriguez worked as a Project Manager at the National Policy Consensus Center, where they managed projects that integrated marginalized populations into democratic processes. Jessica also served as the Latino Program Manager at Rural Development Initiatives, where they played a key role in developing programs in Latinx communities across rural Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

Additionally, Dr. Rodriguez gained valuable experience as a Research Assistant at World Learning and as a Community Leadership Specialist in the Peace Corps. In these roles, they conducted research, developed evidence-based solutions to community needs, and established partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

Throughout their career, Dr. Rodriguez has demonstrated strong leadership abilities, project management skills, and a commitment to social justice and community development. Jessica has deep networks throughout Latin America, Europe, and the United States and brings a global perspective to their work.

Jessica Rodriguez, PhD, has a diverse education history in various fields of study. Jessica holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Political Science from Vrije Universiteit Brussel and a second Ph.D. in Migration Studies from Universidad de Granada. Additionally, they earned a Master of Arts degree in Conflict Transformation from the School for International Training. For their undergraduate education, Jessica completed a Double BA in Communication & Psychology at Dallas Baptist University. In addition to their formal education, they have also obtained a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from USF Corporate Training and Professional Education in May 2021.