Influential Woman · Social Services
Nicole Rodriguez
Social Services, Nicole Rodriguez
Yakima, WA
Her Story
About Nicole
Nicole Rodriguez works in social services, assisting clients with housing and employment opportunities, mental health resources, and recovery support across Washington state. After graduating high school, she explored education in automotive services and home healthcare but has no formal college education, relying instead on personal experience that aligns well with her role. In her daily routine, she takes her children to school before working remotely or meeting clients in the community to assess needs and connect them with resources, often ending her day with family time. She finds her work rewarding as she helps stabilize people in recovery and start over, attributing her success to her support system and passion for helping. Mentored by an industry veteran, she follows advice to trust her instincts and recognize that everyone deserves a second chance. Her values center on honesty, safety, support, and accountability, and she advises others to try new things until finding a career that integrates well with life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nicole
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to not only my support system. I have a great support system that encourages me when I need encouragement, and I would say just my passion to help.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I've been mentored by somebody that's been in this industry for quite a while, and she's been able to kind of guide me through things, and advise me to more follow my heart, and trust my gut with things, and understand that everybody deserves a second chance.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Try something new. I've done many different things throughout my career, explored different options and careers, and I feel like I've finally found something that I enjoy, something that I feel good about, and something that doesn't take up my whole life, but I can incorporate with my life.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
With this new job that I'm in, I'm able to help people all throughout Washington, as opposed to before it was only in my small community. I still help a lot of people in my community, but being able to extend that out to further places that obviously need that help is rewarding. But it is very challenging because I don't know a lot of places except for the places that I'm physically in.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My values I would say are keeping yourself honest, to be honest with those especially when you're trying to help somebody. Always make sure to be safe, supported, and continue to keep people accountable.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.