Her Story
About Vanessa
Vanessa Rodriguez is a licensed clinical social worker at Kaiser Permanente's Behavioral Health Department. She began her career in social work in 2012 after earning her master's degree in social work from Cal State University Dominguez Hills in 2014. Her professional path includes roles as a foster care social worker, therapist working with adolescent youth and women in substance use recovery, social worker in the juvenile justice system, and contract supervisor for other social workers pursuing licensure at organizations including Loyola Law School and the Immigration Center for Children and Women. She also taught generalist social work practice as temporary faculty at Cal State University Dominguez Hills. In 2022, she earned her doctorate in social work from Tulane University and published research from that program. Rodriguez emphasizes social justice, compassion, kindness, empathy, and communication in her work with individuals facing mental health challenges and troubled youth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Vanessa
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Just keep going and always follow your passion no matter what it may be and you will find your way. Following your passion and doing what you love most makes it a lot less like work.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Education is really big. Go all the way with your education and get as far as you can because that's something that no one can take away from you.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Mental health is a huge issue in our community with a need for treatment, help, support, and enough social workers providing care and resources that communities need.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Social justice has been a theme in my career path. Also compassion, kindness, empathy, and communication are important to effectively work as a clinical social worker on the front lines with troubled youth and individuals living with mental illness.
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