Shayla Rodriguez is graduating from the Knauss School of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences with a double major in marketing and political science. Rodriguez describes herself as a first-generation Latina from Atlanta with a story of resilience and determination. She says she never thought college was a possibility for her because her family couldn’t afford it. But, once she was accepted to the University of San Diego and received her financial aid letter - her college dream became a reality because she received a full ride.
Rodriguez’ passion for marketing and political science began at a young age. In high school, she started her own nonprofit organization called Nuestras Voces Georgia, which works to dismantle language and racial barriers that Latinx communities face across Georgia. She started the organization with a focus on translating city newsletters and event flyers to Spanish to encourage the Latinx families to attend. Her organization quickly expanded to include workshops on human rights, domestic violence and education. The organization is still running and is currently doing civic engagement phone banking for the upcoming election.
Her entrepreneurial drive doesn’t end there. After taking inspiring marketing courses, she realized she could turn her candle making hobby into a business. Rodriguez started Deseos Candles Co. with body candles - candles formed into bodies of all shapes and sizes - to help women and girls feel empowered regardless of their body image. Rodriguez says she wanted to mix her business passion with her social justice passion, so she decided to donate a portion of her proceeds to The Body Positive.
Rodriguez has a mix of emotions as commencement approaches- excitement, nervousness and happiness. “I definitely don’t regret anything I did at USD. I think I maximized all of my departments. I am really excited because I know I have the knowledge and skills to go out there in the world and make a great contribution to it.”
Негізгі бет Celebrating the Graduating Class of 2024: Shayla Rodriguez
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