Leslie Rodriguez
Chief of Staff
Leave No Veteran Behind
“Surround yourself with people who motivate you and can provide guidance.”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Graduated high school and went straight to work at fast food restaurants and factories. There I learned work ethic and the customer service skills needed to work in any industry.
Joined the Navy and I realized just how big the world truly is. I served 8 years then used the benefits to get my bachelor's degree.
When I returned from Afghanistan to Puerto Rico, I decided to move back to Illinois. It was the best decision I made because it set in motion everything that has led me to be who I am today.
Started to work at LNVB and it opened me to a world of opportunities. Not only did I have a great job but I was also introduced to networking & exposed to so many different professionals & companies.
I finished my associates at Harold Washington Community College then enrolled at DePaul University and finished my degree.
With my BA degree, I was able to get a part-time job as a Business Services Specialist at Moraine Valley Community College where I gained more experience in workforce development.
Married an amazing man who always supports & encourages me. Having a support system at home is important to succeed professionally. It's better to be alone than with someone who doesn't provide this.
Education
High School
Maria Cruz Buitrago
Maria Cruz Buitrago
Bachelor
Principals & Practices of Human Resource Management
DePaul University
Principals & Practices of Human Resource Management
DePaul University
Career
Chief of Staff
I help manage a non-profit organization that assist veterans with employment and educational debt relief.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Armed Services
Helping People
Day to Day
I look at my schedule and see what I should be working on for that day. I split my responsibilities into four categories: Urgent & Important, Not Urgent but Important, Not Important but Urgent, Not Important & Not Urgent. Every day is different but I ensure we are meeting program deliverables and grant requirements in order to ensure the future of our organization and its ability to continue to serve our veterans and our community.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Go to college. Knowledge is power! I understand there are financial obstacles but there is financial aid, WIOA programs, scholarships, etc. Plus I am a firm believer in going to community college and getting your general education classes then transferring to a four year university. Both my husband and I did this. He transferred to UIC after going to Triton Community College and got his Civil Engineering degree with less than $15K in student loans.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Principals & Practices of Human Resource Management
Principals & Practices of Human Resource Management
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"You wouldn't amount to much. I didn't have many professionals in my life to guide me or inspire me so I never believed I would amount to anything. I constantly told myself I wasn't worthy or capable of going to college or achieving an actual career."
Challenges I Overcame
Death and Loss
Young Parent
First-Generation College Student
Interviewed By
Anonymous Student
Student undefined
