As we continue our Women’s History Month celebration throughout the month of March, we’re proud to spotlight another remarkable leader here at Longbridge in our fourth consecutive “Ladies Who Lead” blog series!
The 2025 theme, set by the National Women’s History Alliance is, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” which aptly reflects our commitment to honoring women who cultivate inclusive environments where everyone is valued, empowered, and supported, regardless of background or identity.
The next featured leader in our series is Andrea Rodriguez, PMP CBAP, Senior Business Analyst at Longbridge Financial. We had the opportunity to sit down with Andrea to discuss the historical women whose stories deserve greater recognition, the profound impact her mother has had on her life, and her advice for women seeking mentorship. Read on for Andrea’s insights and experiences in our Q&A!
Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
A: Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the progress we’ve made while honoring the courageous women whose vision and determination have shaped our world. It’s also an important reminder that the journey toward equality isn’t over. Just as those before us fought for progress, it’s our responsibility to continue advocating for change and creating opportunities for the generations that follow.
Q: Which women’s stories throughout history need to be heard and supported more?
A: There are so many incredible women—especially from Latin America—whose stories deserve greater recognition. Frida Kahlo, Rigoberta Menchú, and Eva Perón stand out as powerful figures who used their voices to uplift marginalized communities, including Indigenous groups and women. Whether through art, activism, or politics, their impact extends far beyond their home countries. I believe their courage, resilience, and contributions should be celebrated on a much larger scale.
Q: Who is your female role model?
A: It may sound cliché, but without a doubt, my biggest role model is my mother. From a young age, she instilled in me the belief that there are no limits to what a woman can achieve. Her unwavering belief in me gave me the confidence to dream big and pursue my ambitions, no matter how challenging they seemed. She has always led by example—showing me the value of perseverance, strength, and kindness. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her.
Q: What advice would you give to women struggling in a male-dominated industry?
A: My advice is simple: success doesn’t come from fitting into a mold—it comes from embracing who you are. Your unique perspective, skills, and qualities are what set you apart. You don’t need to adopt traditionally “male” traits to thrive. In fact, staying true to yourself and forging your own path can be the key to success. Hold on to your values, trust in your abilities, and remember that your individuality is a strength, not a weakness.
Q: Any tips for women who are looking for a mentor?
A: When seeking mentorship, my advice is to focus on finding someone whose values, leadership style, and experiences align with the person you aspire to become. A mentor isn’t just someone with an impressive title or resume—it’s someone who will support, guide, and challenge you to grow. And don’t hesitate to reach out! Many women are eager to uplift and empower others. Building a strong support system starts with taking that first step.
Q: What do you think helped you get this far in your career?
A: One of the biggest factors in my career journey has been the unwavering support and encouragement from my family. Knowing that they believe in me has been a constant source of motivation, pushing me to strive for excellence and take on challenges with confidence. Their faith in my potential has fueled my drive and determination every step of the way.
Q: Do you believe you’ve achieved everything you wanted to?
A: I don’t think I’ll ever reach a point where I feel like I’ve achieved everything I wanted, because I believe growth is a lifelong journey that is always evolving. Every experience teaches us something new, and there’s always more to explore, both personally and professionally. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, but I also know that there’s still so much more I want to learn and accomplish.
Q: What would you say to your 20-year-old self?
A: I would tell my 20-year-old self that failure isn’t the end—it’s just another lesson. Every setback, every challenge, and every misstep is an opportunity to grow. It all comes down to perspective—if you choose to see failure as a stepping stone instead of a roadblock, it can become your greatest teacher.
Thank you, Andrea, for sharing your experience with us and for being a great role model for women everywhere, especially those in or working toward leadership roles!
About Women’s History Month
The celebration of Women’s History Month has its roots in 1981 when Congress authorized President Jimmy Carter to proclaim “Women’s History Week.” This was a significant step in recognizing the vital role women have played in shaping American history. By 1987, following persistent efforts by the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA), the observance was extended to the entire month of March. Since then, every March, the contributions and achievements of women across various fields are honored and celebrated. This month-long recognition is crucial as it highlights the progress made towards gender equality and inspires future generations to continue advocating for women’s rights and representation.
To learn more about Women’s History Month, NWHA, and this year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” visit nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org.
