KARLA RODRIGUEZ

Press Secretary

U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia

Karla Rodriguez was raised in Pasadena, Texas, and serves as the Press Secretary for Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas). She began her career in Capitol Hill with  Congresswoman Garcia’s office as a Leland fellow intern and quickly rose through the ranks.Through this position, Karla advises Congresswoman Garcia on media strategy, public relations, and

communication with the press and public to ensure effective messaging and outreach for the Latino Community.

As a first-generation student she attended the University of Houston, where she obtained a double degree in Political Science and History. During her time at the University of Houston, Karla worked with Texas State Representative Mary Ann Perez, Baker Ripley, and the Harris County Elections Administrator Office. These experiences helped her gain valuable insights into how she could serve her community better. In 2023, Karla was awarded the prestigious Hobby School of Public Affairs Leadership Award due her unwavering commitment to public service.

Karla also serves as the 2024 Communications Director for the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association (CHSA). In this elected role, she works to make CHSA a more visible and influential voice for Latino staffers. In her free time she enjoys watching movies and going thrift shopping.