Florida State Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez on Leadership, Service & Legacy Gamechangers Podcast
Mon Jan 12 2026
In this episode of the Gamechangers Podcast, live from the College of Communications, Architecture+Arts at FIU (Carta.fiu.edu), Sergio Tigera sits down with Ana Maria Rodriguez, Chair of the Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation and Florida State Senator, for a powerful conversation on service, resilience, communication, and legacy.
Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, Senator Rodriguez shares her unexpected journey from community service and healthcare advocacy to local government, the Florida House, and now the Florida Senate. She opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, blocking out the noise, and leading with purpose—even when the spotlight isn’t guaranteed.
In this episode, we explore:
Why service—not titles—is the foundation of authentic leadership
How mentorship can completely change your life’s trajectory
The importance of communication in public service and leadership
Mental fortitude, resilience, and blocking out naysayers
Environmental leadership in the Florida Keys, Everglades & Biscayne Bay
Workforce housing, coral reef restoration & nature-based solutions
Raising future leaders through example, not position
Her personal leadership motto: “It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice”
More
In this episode of the Gamechangers Podcast, live from the College of Communications, Architecture+Arts at FIU (Carta.fiu.edu), Sergio Tigera sits down with Ana Maria Rodriguez, Chair of the Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation and Florida State Senator, for a powerful conversation on service, resilience, communication, and legacy. Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, Senator Rodriguez shares her unexpected journey from community service and healthcare advocacy to local government, the Florida House, and now the Florida Senate. She opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, blocking out the noise, and leading with purpose—even when the spotlight isn’t guaranteed. In this episode, we explore: Why service—not titles—is the foundation of authentic leadership How mentorship can completely change your life’s trajectory The importance of communication in public service and leadership Mental fortitude, resilience, and blocking out naysayers Environmental leadership in the Florida Keys, Everglades & Biscayne Bay Workforce housing, coral reef restoration & nature-based solutions Raising future leaders through example, not position Her personal leadership motto: “It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice”