Hometown: Topsham, Maine
Role: Legislative Aide, House Majority Office, Maine Legislature
Years of legislative service: Two, as of January 2023
NCSL connection: Rodriguez is a 2021 graduate of NCSL’s Legislative Staff Certificate Program.
One thing she loves about her state: “I love the people. In Maine, there is a real sense of community and neighborliness. We have a shared understanding that we can achieve more together than we can on our own.”
Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?
In high school, one of my favorite classes included debating current events and strategizing with other students on how best to solve our most pressing national issues. That experience piqued my interest in our state and federal governments. While I’ve worked in several other spaces, my ultimate goal has always been to pursue work in the service of others. My role in the Maine Legislature affords me an opportunity to work directly with constituents and learn about the impact legislation has on their lives.
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
I have learned that organization is key. I work with many different members of the House of Representatives, so it is crucial that I keep their constituent casework, communications and policy research organized.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
“When in doubt, ask a librarian.” A portion of my job includes researching legislation and committee information from years ago. Having spent much time trying to dig through information on quite a few occasions, and sometimes failing to find the answer I am seeking, I have learned that asking our Law and Legislative Reference Library for help is often a good move.
Who or what inspires you?
I have had the good fortune of working alongside many inspirational people. In my current role, I draw inspiration from the constituents who call our office in need of assistance. Oftentimes, when I receive a call from a constituent, it is because they believe they have exhausted all other options that might be helpful in bettering their current circumstances. Getting the opportunity to listen to people’s stories and form a connection with them, troubleshooting their issues together and finding solutions that are helpful to them inspires me each day.
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
I am very slowly reading “Maine: The Pine Tree State From Prehistory to the Present.” Every few paragraphs, I stop and do some additional research on the new facts about Maine’s history I’ve just learned.
Whenever possible, I try to squeeze in the newest episode of “Now & Then,” a podcast hosted by Heather Cox Richardson and Joanne Freeman. Each episode, the two historians teach me something new about how our history connects to today’s most important issues.
I’m not much of a movie buff, but I recently watched “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and I look forward to watching it at least two more times.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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