Scholars of Color- Jenny Rodriquez
What is Scholars of Color?
It is a platform in which scholars of color are purposefully celebrated. It’s a space where scholars of color are showcased front and center. It is a digital space where we feel empowered and resilient. Let us get to know each other. Let us cheer each other on AND show the world what we have to offer.
Let us now welcome Jenny Rodriquez to the Scholars of Color space!
Name: Jenny Rodriquez
Gender Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
What do you currently do for work and/or school?: Recent graduate of the McGeorge School of Law Masters in Public Administration program. Work at SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District)
Without positions or titles, how would you describe yourself?: A boss mom/wife/daughter/friend as a young mother I was told I would be the stereotypical Mexican/Latina without a successful future. I went the opposite direction and proved the naysayers wrong. I’m not only first generation in my immediate family but in my entire family to complete not only her Bachelors but now her Masters, all while working full time and running a 6 person household. Anything is possible!
What are you passionate about?: Spreading positivity through simple quotes, leading by example, and hopeful to let young men and women know anything is possible. I also strive to help women that fall victim to domestic violence or human trafficking, hoping to somehow make a difference.
Why is the representation of scholars of color important to you?: As mentioned above, I was the teen mom that suddenly the future plan of becoming a US Marine went away. I know so many mothers that never go back and reclaim their happiness. Nothing wrong with being a mother but don’t feel that motherhood has to get in the way of your dreams. As women of color we often have a tough fight and showing that we too can overcome the stereotype also means we are taking ourselves out of that mold society often wants us to accustom to. This mission shows everyone that here we are and we overcame and held up the fight! Si se pudo!
If people are interested in getting connected to you, how can they?: They can contact me via IG @jengaga or via email at JennyRodriquezlac@yahoo.com
Anything else you would like us to know?: I did not return back to college until 8 years after graduating high school. After two children I was pregnant with my third son whom I ended up losing after 18weeks of pregnancy. I share this because Angel was “my why” in going back to school. I was determined to have his loss become my legacy, although he is not here with me on earth, he is very much with me in spirit and had it not been for his loss I don’t know that I would have ever returned. I have him to thank and for motivating me to complete not one but two degrees. 2019 would’ve been his 10th year of life and I celebrated it by obtaining my Masters Degree. If you ever feel like giving up, dig deep and find out your why and I guarantee you’ll get right back up.
Thank you Jenny for sharing space with us!
Stay tuned everyone for more Scholars of Color profiles. Interested in being showcased yourself? Please email the Scholars of Color team at scholarsofcolor@reclaimingyourhappiness.com and we will get back to you shortly.
