Yeltzin Rodriguez

CHCI Public Policy Fellow Presented by Google
Hometown: Rowland Heights, California
School: California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Placement: House Committee on Education and Workforce

Yeltzin Rodriguez was born in Azcapotzalco, Mexico, and raised in Southern California by two immigrant parents. Her parents worked labor-intensive jobs to provide a stable home life and better opportunities for their four children. Despite various hardships, they always encouraged Yeltzin and her siblings to strive academically. Yeltzin understood the importance of education and how it could open doors and shape a child’s future. Being raised in the United States as an immigrant, she experienced firsthand how policies can impact communities and families. As a DACA recipient, she faced many hardships, closed doors and systemic barriers but learned how to persevere and rise above those challenges.

Yeltzin attended California Polytechnic University, Pomona on scholarships to study Political Science with a minor in Psychology. During her time at Cal Poly she worked two jobs. She also spent her weekends as a volunteer instructor with the Prison Education Program. Yeltzin has always valued education and witnessed firsthand how it can change the trajectory of a student’s life, in spite of hardships, especially for students from low-income communities. She also served as a Congressional Intern for her home district, fulfilling one of Yeltzin’s passions – helping her community. She has volunteered in local and state election campaigns since she was a teenager and throughout her college career.

As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Yeltzin hopes to gain firsthand experience in the policymaking process and develop a deeper understanding of how legislation is shaped through government and stakeholder collaboration. She aspires to work as a policy analyst and, during her fellowship, hopes to strengthen her research skills while building long-lasting professional relationships. These experiences will help her amplify underrepresented voices and build bridges where barriers once stood.