Laura
Rodriguez

As the senior vice president for Government Affairs at American Progress, Laura Rodriguez leads the organization’s strategic outreach to federal and local lawmakers. With more than two decades of experience navigating the intersection of policy and politics, she serves as a key bridge between progressive research and actionable legislation.

Throughout her career, Rodriguez has been a trusted adviser to senior leaders in Washington. Most recently, she led the congressional office of former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL) as chief of staff, managing the congresswoman’s legislative priorities and Miami-based district operations. Her career is marked by a commitment to Latino advocacy and institutional leadership, having served as a senior policy adviser for former Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and as an operational lead at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.

Rodriguez’s foundational expertise in international and legislative affairs was honed during her tenure at the U.S. State Department under the Obama administration, where she ultimately served as the deputy assistant secretary for House Affairs. This role capped a five-year period of managing complex foreign policy engagement within the House of Representatives.

A native of Miami, Rodriguez holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Florida International University and a master’s degree in foreign affairs from American University.