Lauren Rodriguez is a leader who believes that true success means bringing others along with you. As President & CEO of RDOOR Housing Corporation and the first Hispanic female Deputy Mayor, Lauren has built her career around leadership, service and creating opportunities for others to grow. She is passionate about mentorship and intentionally preparing the next generation of leaders—while balancing her greatest role yet: mom to three boys under three.
Fast Facts
- I was the first Hispanic female Deputy Mayor.
- I am one of six kids.
- I have three boys under three.
Q & A
“Elevate” is this year’s theme. What does elevate mean to you, and how are you living it out right now?
To me, elevate means bringing others up along your journey in life. You can bring someone up through their career by supporting them, mentoring them or hiring them. You can bring someone up in their personal life simply by being there for them in the good times and the bad.
My goal is always to support others by first understanding how they receive help and then finding that help if they want it. I also try to intentionally bring people into meetings where they may not have anything to contribute yet, but may need to be there one day.
My team knows that my leadership philosophy is to create my competition. If I’m not giving them the tools to be able to replace me, then I’m not a good leader.
Describe a moment when you stepped into a new level of confidence or growth?
Motherhood has made me more confident in setting boundaries. I’ve been a “yes woman” my entire life. Now, though, I have three bosses I enjoy putting first. That has taught me to be strict about getting my work completed and not just saying yes because I would feel bad saying no.
What empowerment advice would you give a woman who’s ready to take her next step?
Do it. What’s the worst that someone can say or do? Say no? Then what?
We will never elevate if we aren’t willing to stand up. You may knock your head on a ceiling, but that is an opportunity to find a new building with taller ceilings.
What brings you the most joy or energy outside of your work?
My family, my best friends and our slumber parties. My two best friends and I have quarterly slumber parties at different hotels where we get to just be girls again. It’s one of the best things we’ve done.
Tell us about any unique skills, talents, or interesting hobbies.
Honestly, with infant twins, my current hobby is sleeping whenever I can! Other than that, I love doing people’s hair or nails.
