Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Rodriguez.
Hi Andrea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Emporia Ks and moved up here in 2011. I was able to have a position as a Travel Coordinator that allowed me to meet people, make great contacts and find my passion. When I quit that job in May 2019, I took some time to write my book “Love, Scars & Butterflies,” and I self-published it on July 31, 2019. This book is about my oldest daughter’s journey with depression and anxiety but from a mother’s eyes, my eyes. Going through this journey and continuing to be on it has allowed me to see where education and exposure are much needed and on many levels. With my social media platforms, I share information to help others to understand that they are not alone, whether it be the individual, the mother/father, and even the family member. I have found that when one suffers from Mental Illness, it affects those around them as well, and it is a group effort to fight it and overcome it. A few months after I wrote my book, I was able to work at Starbucks. This gave me a love for kids (I was 42 and the people I worked with were anywhere from age 16-30) and a desire to help them rise. They came to me with questions and I took it as a privilege and honor to be able to be a voice for them as well as assist with the answers they were looking for. It was here that I found my voice and started my podcast, “Juntos we rise.” I had guests come on and talk about situations in their life where they had the ability to rise as well as share personal stories of times in my life when I had the opportunity to rise. I have been working on starting season 2, but it has come to be something bigger than I want for my guests, so I have been working on my video editing skills to allow for season 2 to be on YouTube.
I have recently finalized my LLC that will allow me to fund nonprofits and work on all the ways that God has called me to assist financially. Before the end of the year, I will have my boutique open that will feature my lipstick brand, my clothing brand, and my homemade salsa. I am coming with the fire! Whether it be my writing skills, my social media, my speaking skills, or working on my business, I have been leveling up. I have been rising, showing myself and those that are watching that it is possible for someone that looks like me (3rd generation Mexican American, Chicana, and Latina) to bring a voice, to be in that room, to stand up, and to bring strength by showing up as me.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been many struggles along the way. One that stands out the most is the day that my book was published and went live on Amazon, I went to Shawnee Mission park to go by the water. I wanted to put my feet in the water, and I slipped. I fell down face first. My top tooth went through my bottom lip, and I did not have insurance at the time. That was one of the first big struggles I faced, but it hurt more because it hit me physically, and I had something physical to prove I had been hit. I recognized at that moment that to pursue my goals and dreams, I would have to fight for them, and it wouldn’t be easy. My finances have been hit a lot as my goal is to donate money, so this is where the enemy tries me, but I continue to trust God and allow Him to provide and have His way, and He does. I think a struggle that I wasn’t ready for was the struggle of people not believing in what I am doing. Dreams are not meant to be easily obtained or comfortable to pursue; that is why they are called dreams. I have had to keep my circle small and work hard in the background. It is worth it, though as I am now at this point and ready to press forward with what I have been working on for some time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work at Oracle Cerner, and I am a Solution Analyst. I specialize in assisting people at Hospitals, Doctor’s offices, or billing offices to have access to the Provider Portal account. I am most proud of being in a setting that is predominantly male and with minimal women of color. What sets me apart is my ability to communicate and connect with someone even if it is over the phone. I love people, and I love helping people, so this job inspires me and empowers me as well. I was just recently appointed as a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, and I’m excited to bring my voice to that council. I am thankful for my manager and team, that have believed in me since day one, I believe that this has made a huge difference in my ability to grow and gain confidence in this position.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am a 3rd generation Mexican American and I come from a long line of strong women. On my dad’s side, when my Great Grandmother came to the United States, she was 9 months pregnant with my grandmother. I know that it was her strength that allowed me to be who I am today and where I am today. I don’t take it lightly the sacrifice she made for her family and even family she wouldn’t be able to see. I strive to make the strong women in my family proud. The women in my family have made a sacrifice for me, this is my fuel. I also want other Mexican American/Latinas to see me and my work and I pray that it inspires them also. Like my podcast says, “Juntos” (together), we rise.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrea_rose0725/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rodriguez.andrearose/
Image Credits
Lance Martin Photography
