My name is Maria de Jesus Rodriguez, and I am a bilingual Human Resources professional, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for small businesses. I was born and raised in Fallbrook, California, and today I reside in Arizona. Growing up in a household with two brothers and four sisters, I quickly learned the importance of guidance, teamwork, and always being there to support those around me.

My parents, who gave everything for us, taught me that nothing in life comes easy, you have to work twice as hard, stay resilient, and never give up on your dreams. Like many others during 2023, I lost my father due to COVID and respiratory complications. It was one of the hardest moments of my life, but his memory continues to push me forward. Both he and my mother are my greatest inspiration. Because of them, I became the first in my family to complete an undergraduate degree, earning my Bachelor’s in Human Resources Management. That achievement is not just my own—it belongs to my family, to their sacrifices, and to their faith in me.

My career has been dedicated to serving nonprofits and small businesses, but I am also an entrepreneur myself. I know firsthand the challenges business owners face—the sleepless nights, the tough hiring decisions, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward when resources are limited. This is why helping small businesses matters so deeply to me: they are the backbone of our communities, and they deserve support, tools, and strategies that truly work.

My mission is to use both my professional expertise and my personal journey to inspire and empower entrepreneurs and small business owners. I want to show that with the right guidance, hard work, and heart, it’s possible to build strong, inclusive teams and create lasting success. My dream is not only to continue helping others grow but also to build my own HR consulting business, an extension of my belief that when we lift each other up, we all rise together.

For me, Human Resources is not just about policies and processes; it’s about people, purpose, and potential. And it is my greatest honor to serve others with the same compassion and determination that my parents instilled in me.