Aaliyah Rodriguez
Aaliyah Rodriguez is the Transfer Success Coordinator for Boise State University, working primarily with the College of Southern Idaho to support first-generation, non-traditional, and returning students through the transfer process. Her role focuses on guiding students through course planning, exploring majors and career paths, and connecting them with Boise State resources to ensure a smooth transition. Aaliyah emphasizes empathy, clear guidance, and personal support, helping students feel seen and confident as they navigate some of the biggest transitions in their educational journeys.
Before entering higher education, Aaliyah worked in marketing for a local roofing company in Twin Falls, Idaho. Encouraged by a friend, she applied for a position at the College of Southern Idaho, initially serving as a non-traditional recruiter for adult learners returning to college. Over the years, she transitioned into her current coordinator role, strengthening her partnerships with community colleges and deepening her hands-on involvement in student success initiatives. Her work reflects a commitment to bridging gaps and ensuring students have access to the guidance and resources they need to succeed.
Beyond her professional role, Aaliyah is deeply involved in her community. She serves as Chair of Magic Valley Young Professionals and as an Ambassador for the South Central Idaho Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Her leadership and community engagement were recognized in 2025 when she was named to the Idaho Business Review’s Accomplished Under 40 list. Aaliyah combines her dedication to higher education with a passion for community advocacy, aiming to create lasting impact both for students and the broader Magic Valley region.
• Boise State University
• College of Southern Idaho- Bachelor's
• College of Southern Idaho- Associate's
• Volunteer of the Year
• Accomplished Under 40
• South Central Idaho Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Magic Valley Young Professionals
• Idaho Latino Young Professionals Network
• Pacific Northwest Association For College Admissions Counseling
• CSI Diversity Council
• Magic Valley Pediatrics Cancer Coalition (community partner support)
• Optimist Youth House (supporting youth aging out of foster system)
What do you attribute your success to?
I would definitely say my parents, especially my dad. He’s been a local radio DJ in our community for about 20 years, so growing up we were always surrounded by community events, conversations, and opportunities to connect with people.
One of the biggest things he showed us is that helping others isn’t always about money. Sometimes it’s just about showing up, giving your time, or supporting people when they need it. That mindset, that sense of community, really stuck with me.
I learned that when you pour into your community, those relationships come back around. If something ever goes wrong or you need support, your community is there for you too. That lesson has really shaped how I approach the work I do today and how I try to show up for others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Build relationships first- opportunities will follow.
My path has always been rooted in connection: supporting students as a first-gen professional, collaborating across institutions, leading community groups, and creating spaces that center conversation and culture. A lot of that impact comes from the relationships I have built with people.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say try everything. It can sound scary, and some people might see it as a waste of time, but I’m a firm believer in not letting “what ifs” take over my life.
Especially as women, we sometimes hold ourselves back by wondering what if I tried this or what if I did that. Last year, I actually stepped away from higher education for a couple of months because I wanted to explore something different. Through that experience, I realized that my heart was still in higher ed, and I came back.
It was an opportunity I wanted to see through. I tried it, it wasn’t for me, and that’s okay. If anything, it helped me feel even more confident and grounded in where I am now. Sometimes we have to try different things to truly understand where we’re meant to be.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In higher education right now, especially with the political climate, we’re seeing a lot of budget cuts. Those cuts can make it harder to support students financially, particularly first-generation students. As a first-generation graduate myself, I remember how overwhelming it was trying to find scholarships and figure out how to make college financially possible.
Having difficult conversations with students about whether college is financially doable can be really tough. I truly believe higher education should be accessible to everyone, but the reality is that the current climate can make that more challenging.
That said, I’m incredibly grateful to work with the institutions that are always looking for ways to support students and remind them that their goals are still possible.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the biggest things for me is accountability. I’m a firm believer that it’s okay to fail and it’s okay to not know everything. Even as adults, we’re still figuring life out. In many ways, we’re still kids at heart trying to navigate what’s right, what’s wrong, and how to grow.
That’s why accountability matters so much. Being honest enough to say, “I don’t know,” is important but so is being willing to learn, find the information, and work toward improving. That opportunity for growth is a big deal to me.
Advocacy is another big piece. Sometimes it feels like the same people are always advocating for change, but real growth happens when more people believe in the mission and step up to support it as well.