Paola Rodriguez, BA

Research Assistant 

She/her/hers

Paola Rodriguez, B.A, is a Research Assistant of the Central Valley Health Policy Institute (CVHPI) at Fresno State, since joining CVHPI in late February, she has contributed to projects focused on health equity and climate impacts, including the Lost Hills Health Assessment and the Climate Change Project. Her background reflects a strong foundation in policy advocacy and community organizing, particularly within underserved communities and youth populations impacted by environmental injustice, industrial development, and health inequities.

Her experience spans both grassroots engagement and institutional collaboration. She has served as a Co-Chair Board Member and funder with Fresno State Students4Giving, where she supported youth-led funding initiatives such as the TROY Center, contributing to program growth, internship development, and resource allocation. She has also advised community advisory meetings within the Hanford Joint Union High School District, helping facilitate dialogue between community members and institutional stakeholders.

In addition, she has contributed to collaborative initiatives, including the 2025 Residence Summit hosted by The Children’s Movement (TCM), as well as program evaluation for the Valley Voices citizenship program funded through Students4Giving. Together, these experiences demonstrate her ability to effectively bridge community needs with funding structures and program implementation.

Her work in industrial and land-use advocacy includes organizing with the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) and engaging as a community-based advocate in efforts connected to regional planning, including SEDA-related initiatives. She further strengthened her leadership capacity through IAF Leader Training in January, where she developed skills in building institutional power and advancing community-led change.

Her public health work includes contributing to the development of health plans for underserved Central Valley communities, particularly those impacted by dairy production and environmental exposures. She has also supported transportation equity efforts, including the “Moving Forward Together” measure.

Guided by an interdisciplinary lens that integrates political science and sociology, she aspires to pursue a doctorate in political science and become a political leader. Her long-term goal is to advance policy advocacy that equips communities to navigate and influence the structural forces shaping their health, environment, and economic conditions.