LaShe' M. Rodriguez
Summary
Accomplished Director of Government Relations with a focus on strategic planning and public policy impact. In-depth understanding of legislative frameworks and advocacy methods. Proven ability to cultivate relationships and guide teams toward shared objectives. Notable achievements in policy analysis, strategic communications, and successful campaign execution.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Government Relations
Riverside Community College District (RCCD)
06.2023 - Current
- Developed and executed government relations strategies aligned with district initiatives and priorities.
- Planned, organized, and implemented activities advancing RCCD's legislative interests, finalizing annual legislative platforms, coordinating advocacy trips, and managing contracted lobbyists.
- Established and nurtured strategic relationships with external stakeholders and higher education partners, serving as liaison and building coalitions to advance RCCD's government relations objectives.
- Evaluated impact of federal and state legislation, regulations, and policies on RCCD projects and programs, developing and presenting analysis and recommendations to inform RCCD's position.
- Provides consultation and recommendations to RCCD leadership on political strategies.
- Drafted legislative amendments, letters, testimonies, talking points, and speeches for Chancellor and Board of Trustees, and created presentations, news releases, and blog posts to communicate RCCD's priorities.
- Represents RCCD at community, intergovernmental, and business meetings, including City Council meetings, public hearings, advocacy association meetings, and Chamber of Commerce meetings.
- Directs and oversees the management of the Government Relations digital communications, including the website, social media, video, and newsletter activities.
- Manages and directs a team of nine, ranging from graphic designers to public information officers.
- Participates in the preparation and administration of the budgets for Government Relations, forecasting additional funds needed for materials and supplies.
- Coordinated travel, meetings, and logistics for the Board of Trustees, Chancellor, and RCCD leadership.
- Led team meetings to align government relations activities with organizational goals.
- Coordinates with the organization's internal executives to deliver focused suggestions in response to new legislation.
Chief Consultant
Optimum Strategies, LLC
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Developed strategic plans for campaigns based on research about target audiences and competitors.
- Consulted with clients on campaign strategy, advising on messaging and tactics that increased campaign effectiveness.
- Conducted research on political candidates or issues to assist in developing effective campaign strategies.
- Trained candidates on how to conduct effective public relations campaigns, including how to make effective speeches and handle difficult questions from the media.
- Developed and executed advertising and marketing campaigns that elevated visibility and support for political candidates and causes.
- Planned and executed campaign events such as fundraisers, rallies, and debates.
- Recruited volunteers and organized grassroots efforts to support candidates during elections.
- Managed client relationships, providing responsive service and building trust through timely communication.
- Served as a liaison between the company and external entities such as government agencies or regulatory bodies.
- Prepared speeches and other written materials such as brochures, pamphlets, position papers, and debate responses.
- Drafted proposals outlining services offered and estimated costs associated with each project.
- Developed and implemented strategic consulting plans to ensure successful project completion.
Chief of Staff
Orange County Board Supervisor Doug Chaffee, 4th District
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Formulated high-level organizational strategy to collaborate with senior managers on projects and deliver organizational impact.
- Managed team of 10 across roles in policy analysis, communications, and public affairs to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Directed Supervisor's communications strategy, overseeing website, social media, video production, newsletters, press releases, and speeches to enhance public engagement.
- Streamlined communication flow between executive office, senior leaders, and staff to enhance collaboration and decision-making. between the executive office, senior leaders, and other staff members.
- Led and assisted with team briefings, public meetings, presentations, and community outreach.
- Cultivated relationships with elected officials, local government staff, and community stakeholders to advance projects and align business priorities in Orange County.
- Developed an understanding of the political and community landscape within Orange County.
- Provided subject matter counsel and guidance to the Supervisor and external stakeholders regarding County issues in communities.
- Testified on behalf of the County on legislative and regulatory proceedings, and represented the County at public forums and stakeholder meetings.
- Developed the Orange County's annual Legislative Platform and advocated at the federal and state levels.
- Assisted the County in participating in associations, serving as the association liaison, and engaging in trade association discussions and filings to ensure that the County's interests are being considered.
- Attended and represented the Supervisor at meetings with the elected officials, staff, regulators, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Oversaw contracted lobbyists to advocate for County priorities and coordinate with local government initiatives and federal priorities.
- Prepared and administered the county and supervisorial budgets, and related programs, and forecasted additional funds needed for materials and supplies.
Communications Coordinator
Senator Connie Leyva, 20th District
11.2016 - 12.2018
- Managed communication activities, including state website, e-newsletters, announcements, press releases, reports, videos, and media materials, ensuring timely responses to media requests.
- Managed all online and communications strategies including various social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
- Developed and maintained media relationships with local, Statewide, and National media outlets.
- Coordinated public relations efforts to enhance Senator's visibility within the district through targeted outreach and engagement.
- Prepared talking points, event details, and run of show for the Senator's participation in committee hearings, community events, and press events.
- Represented the Senator at public venues and community events while serving as the Senator's media representative.
- Created branded digital print content for various platforms, ensuring consistent messaging across all communications.
Senior Field Representative
Assemblymember Jose Medina, 61st District
01.2013 - 11.2016
- Lead Policy advisor in the areas of Education, Healthcare, and Economic Development.
- Tracked and analyzed State and Federal legislation to assess impacts on 61st Assembly District, providing actionable recommendations that informed policy decisions.
- Advocated on legislative issues by organizing community forums, attending key stakeholder meetings, and participating in committee hearings to influence legislative outcomes.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to propose enhancements to existing policy for greater community impact.
- Cultivated relationships with Federal and local elected offices, community organizations, and businesses to enhance collaboration on policy initiatives.
- Prepared the Assemblymember for legislative hearings, events, and forums.
Education
M.C.M. - COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles, CA06.2017
B.A. - MEDIA STUDIES
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE
Riverside, CA06.2010
Skills
- Campaign strategy
- Governmental Affairs
- Public Relations
- Conversational Spanish
- Public Speaking
- Community Leadership
- Environmental Justice
- Legislative writing
- Policy analysis
- Advocacy
- Coalition building
- Interpersonal communication
- Staff training
Community Leadership
- Sister City Commissioner, City of Anaheim, 2019-2024
- Environmental Justice Member, South Coast Air Quality Management District, 2012-2024
- Political Director, Latinas Lead CA PAC, 2020-2025
- Los Angeles African American Women's Policy Institute, Board member, Current
Public Speaking Engagements
- RCC Young Women's Conference, 03/01/24
- USC Women's Conference, 03/01/24
- Grassroots Workshop, Close the Gap, 2023
- Celebrating Afro-Latinx workshop, University of California, Irvine, 2023
- Just Thrive: Education Abroad panel, University of California, Riverside, 2023
- Woman's Leadership Conference, California Woman's Caucus, 2019
- Future Leaders Graduation, Orange County Black Chamber of Commerce, 2019
- TRiO Graduation, University of California, Riverside, 2018
Campaigns
- Doug Chaffee for Supervisor 2022, Consultant
- Doug Chaffee for Supervisor 2018, Campaign Manager
- Jose Medina for Assembly 2016, Campaign Manager
- Jose Medina for Assembly 2014, Deputy Campaign Manager
Timeline
Director of Government Relations
Riverside Community College District (RCCD)
06.2023 - Current
Chief Consultant
Optimum Strategies, LLC
01.2023 - 06.2023
Chief of Staff
Orange County Board Supervisor Doug Chaffee, 4th District
01.2019 - 01.2023
Communications Coordinator
Senator Connie Leyva, 20th District
11.2016 - 12.2018
Senior Field Representative
Assemblymember Jose Medina, 61st District
01.2013 - 11.2016
M.C.M. - COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
B.A. - MEDIA STUDIES
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE