Dr. J. Desiree Rodriguez - Embracing the Journey of Motherhood & Entrepreneurship
In our latest HERstory feature, we’re thrilled to spotlight Dr. Desiree Rodriguez, an Afro-Latina entrepreneur, educator, author, and mother who exemplifies resilience, ambition, and authenticity. Growing up in Woodbridge, Virginia, and Omaha, Nebraska, Dr. Rodriguez’s journey has been anything but linear. Her path has led her through different places, roles, and challenges, each shaping her into the multifaceted woman she is today.
For the past 10 years, Dr. Rodriguez has been an entrepreneur, and for the last six, she’s been a mother. These two roles have deeply influenced each other, bringing moments of joy, anxiety, and growth. Becoming a mother introduced her to a new level of vulnerability and strength as she navigated the beauty and challenges of raising a child while building a career.
“Motherhood introduced me to anxiety - something I had never experienced before. While many people view motherhood as easy, loving, and exciting, for me, it also comes with moments of intense anxiety. I felt the joy and love, but also I had to navigate the challenges that came with it,”
she shares.
As an educator, Dr. Rodriguez has seen countless scholars struggle with reading, often because they don’t see themselves in the books they’re given. Inspired by her own challenges with reading and driven by her passion for representation, she founded Literature Matters, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring children through culturally relevant literature.
“Children who see their culture and language reflected in the books they read have a significantly higher chance of improving their reading skills compared to those who don’t. Sometimes, all it takes is one person who cares to make an impact on an entire community,”
she explains. Through diverse festivals and events, she’s making a tangible impact, one child at a time.
Dr. Rodriguez is a four-time award-winning self-published author. Her first book, Eyes of Mine, is a collection of poetry she began in sixth grade, inspired by the work of Tupac Shakur and a colleague of her father’s who published her poetry book as an adult. At 17, she thought to herself that she could do that too. Her second book, Sunshine: A Quick Guide for Busy and First-Time Moms, serves as a diary for new mothers, offering practical tips and reflections. After giving birth to her daughter, her only family nearby was her husband. She knows other women experience similar challenges and created this book to help fill the gap. Her two most recent books honor her Dominican heritage and her late grandmother. Alan'a’s Great Dream Adventure, a bilingual children’s book, reflects her cultural roots and serves as a tool for teaching her daughter about their heritage and inspiring children who look like her to read. For Dr. Rodriguez, writing is a way to intersect her passions as a mother and entrepreneur.
With a calendar as her best friend, Dr. Rodriguez finds structure in her busy life as a mother, author, entrepreneur, and digital creator.
“The number one piece of advice I always give is to have a calendar. It’s important to remember that sometimes it’s okay to do nothing, though this can be one of the hardest things for me, as my mind is always racing.”
Key strategies that keep her balanced are staying organized, visualizing her goals, and giving herself permission to rest when needed.
Like many mothers, Dr. Rodriguez has questioned her capabilities and faced challenges around self-worth. Social media often paints an unrealistic picture of motherhood, but she strives to do her best and teaches her daughter to embrace her unique beauty, curly hair, and kind heart. In her entrepreneurial journey, Dr. Rodriguez has found that true support from other women is rare, but she remains focused on her vision, becoming her own biggest cheerleader.
“Only you can bring your dreams to life, and only you can be your biggest cheerleader,”
she shares.
Through her work as a digital creator, Dr. Rodriguez has embraced a new form of expression, sharing tall-women-friendly fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content. This endeavor allows her to fully be herself, free from the limitations of a traditional 9-to-5. Digital content creation has allowed her to share diverse ideas and celebrate her individuality in a way that conventional jobs often restrict.
Dr. Rodriguez’s journey has been marked by pivotal moments, including a cross-country move to Texas with just $3,000 and her dedication to completing a master’s degree while working multiple jobs and remaining active in her sorority. Despite the twists and turns, she has remained focused on her goals, working toward her doctorate in Strategic Communication and building a fulfilling career that aligns with her purpose.
As a mother, Dr. Rodriguez aims to set an example for her daughter daily by embodying resilience and ambition. She draws inspiration from other women entrepreneurs breaking barriers in various fields.
“I aspire to be the best mother I can be, setting an example she can look up to,”
she says.
Her advice to other moms is simple yet powerful: Don’t wait.
“Don’t wait to get healthy or to take a chance. There will never be a perfect time. You have to be your own biggest cheerleader,”
she encourages. Dr. Rodriguez’s journey is a testament to the obstacles and finding strength within to carve your unique path.
Dr. Rodriguez’s story is a reminder of the beauty in imperfection and the strength it takes to create a life on your own terms. We’re honored to share her journey as part of our HERstory series, celebrating mothers breaking molds and making a difference.