Q&A: Katherine Rodriguez
Katherine Rodriguez, audience engagement editor of The Signal, is one of the women featured as part of The Signal’s special #HawkHerStory issue, celebrating Women’s History Month. This special edition focuses on the stories and perspectives of the various women within the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) community.
Read The Signal’s Q&A with Rodriguez below and see the other Q&A’s conducted with students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni here.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, on both a personal and professional/educational level?
A: I am a Digital Media Studies graduate student at UHCL and also the Audience Engagement Editor at The Signal. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Radio, Television and Film from the University of North Texas and as you can imagine, I am passionate about all things related to media. Since very little, I felt TV was a part of me and promised myself to always keep learning more about the industry. I am a Hispanic, immigrant woman working in one of the hardest industries in the world, and I hope one day I can serve others with my journalism.
Q: Who are some women (real or fictional) you look up to most? Why?
A: Fictional, I would say Wonder Woman. I mean, saving the world and ending war can’t always be up to men. Living in such a turbulent society like we do today, I picture a woman ending all war and making the world a better place.
In real life, there’s only two I can think of: my grandma and my mom. They are the epitome of hard work and determination. My grandma raised two children by herself and yet managed to be everyone’s favorite at her corporate job. She did not miss a single day of work and when she retired, she was rehired because nobody could do the job like she could.
My mom, on the other hand, was the kind of person who would do whatever it took to ensure the well being of her child. She worked two jobs and late hours, and to this day still does.
Q: What are some activities you enjoy doing?
A: I love being active and being outdoors. I am a yogi and try to keep moving as much as I can. It may be hard to believe but I also love cooking! I like spending time in the kitchen with my family and boyfriend and preparing a meal everyone can enjoy.
Last but not least, I love photography. Though I don’t do it professionally, it has always been a part of me. I like going to events, shows and outdoor galleries and photograph all kinds of art.
Q: What are some problems you anticipate/have encountered as a woman in your field?
A: As I said, I see myself as an immigrant, Hispanic woman working in one of the most scrutinized industries in the world. Women working in media are not only bombarded with criticism regarding their own job and work ethic but also have to be extra careful with what they say, how they dress, what they do, etc. I have had the opportunity to meet several amazing women in the field who remind me that the best journalists are those who wear heels.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
A: Never stop trying. Not because others tell you or because you feel you’re not good enough. God’s timing is insanely perfect and if something is meant for you, it will happen when it [has] got to happen. I seriously apply this every day and I cannot tell you enough how much it has helped me and especially my career.
