We Asked, She Answered: Women’s History Month Series
Andrea Rodriguez: Deputy Program Manager, Enterprise Architecture
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
I grew up originally in a small town in Texas called Laredo where women were defined mostly as mothers. These days women have more opportunities, especially in fields where men tend to have a more dominant presence and considered to excel, such as technology, sciences and finance. I am really excited about what the future holds for women as women’s numbers increase in management positions and glass ceilings break everywhere. It is also great to be able to start your own company too and recognize women entrepreneurs who are paving the way for others, like Nolij’s very own Ashley Mehta.
Tell us how your experiences have shaped your career path?
I was pre-med and majored in biology as an undergraduate and have a master’s in healthcare management. I initially wanted to become a physician but changed direction after my studies. I went into consulting, became certified in Epic and started my career implementing it in clinics and hospitals. So, I kind of glided into IT. I worked at Deloitte for several years where I consulted on EMR and implemented business process modeling for Cerner. After having children, I no longer wanted to travel. So, I moved into the federal sector and moved here to Virginia three years ago.
What advice would you give to young women starting their professional journeys?
I would advise that young women really think about what will make them happy—not just in the present moment but in the future. I would advise that they explore different fields to see if they are a good fit, try everything and get internships.
What do you like to do for fun and what do you see yourself doing in the future?
I love spending time with my kids and family. I do yoga, Pilates and cycling for fun—plus they are great de-stressors! I envision moving into business development and helping Nolij grow. I would like to remain in EA and support clients too.