Leslie Rodriguez
Leave No Veteran Behind
"Surround yourself with people who motivate you and can provide guidance."
Career Roadmap
Leslie's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Armed Services, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Maria Cruz Buitrago
Associate's Degree
Business, General
Harold Washington Community College
Bachelor's Degree
Principals & Practices of Human Resource Management
DePaul University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Chief of Staff:
Associate's Degree: Business, General
Bachelor's Degree: Principals & Practices of Human Resource Management
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Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
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.
4.
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.
5.
I finished my associates at Harold Washington Community College then enrolled at DePaul University and finished my degree.
6.
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.
7.
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.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages 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.
How I responded:
Pushing through and learning where that self doubt came from. Negativity is contagious, especially in family, so I made it a point to surround myself with people who encourage me and push me to be the best version of myself. I didn't do this until well into my late 20s and it made the biggest difference. Once I surrounded myself with professionals who have clear goals and love to grind, that is when I did the same because they held me accountable and believed in me like I had never felt before.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My mother died in my arms at 11. This was a very traumatic event in my life but I learned if this did not break me, nothing could. This made me more resilient.
As a teen mom, my son became my driving force. My decisions no longer just affected me, they affected a whole other human being who I was responsible for.
I went to about 5 institutions before finishing my degree. It wasn't until I surrounded myself with people who had degrees that I was able to finish mine. Again, surround yourself with people who motivate you and can provide guidance.