Laura S. Rodriguez, PhD, MSW

Advocate & Researcher

Portland, Oregon, United States

About

I am passionate about community engaged research and evaluation in order to make lasting and impactful systemic changes. My research interests include, but are not limited to disability critical race theory (DisCrit), racial equity, LGBTQA2+, aging, early childhood education & care, employment, and healthcare. I am driven to create innovative ways to institutionalize equity within dominant culture systems while dismantling their oppressive practices, policies, and culture.

Experience

  • Early Learning Evaluation & Research Analyst at Multnomah County- Preschool Early Learning Division
    Aug 2024 - Present · 2 yrs

  • Social Work LEND Fellow at Oregon Health & Science University
    Sep 2025 - Jun 2026 · 10 mos

    Social Work fellows are selected for a competitive, 9-month leadership training program funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCH). Fellows develop advanced competencies to move beyond clinical practice into systemic leadership, advocacy, and research for children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities. Key responsibilities & focus areas include interdisciplinary leadership, systems & policy advocacy, research & professional development, and Maternal and Child Health Bureau competencies.

  • Adjunct Research Associate at Portland State University's Institute on Aging
    Jan 2024 - Jun 2024 · 6 mos

  • Adjunct Research Associate at Portland State University - Center for Improvement of Child & Family Services
    Sep 2021 - Jan 2024 · 2 yrs 5 mos

  • Teaching Assistant at The African American Policy Forum
    Jul 2022 - Jul 2022 · 1 mo

    Short-term position created specifically to support the presenters at the Critical Race Theory (CRT) Summer School online course. The teaching assistants provide support to faculty presenters and engage the participants who enroll in the CRT summer school sessions.