Patricia Rodriguez

Name: Patricia Rodriguez

Title: Director, Demand Side Management & Renewable Programs

Company: NV Energy

Where were you born? Los Angeles

​How long have you been in the US? 35 years, my parents took me to Mexico and I did 2nd through 6th grade in Mexico, I skipped 7th and 8th grades and went straight to 9th grade at age 14 when my parents moved to Las Vegas.

What are your hobbies? I like to do zumba, spend time outdoors and be with my family.

​What is your professional experience/background? I graduated from UNLV with a BS in Electrical Engineering and have worked at NV Energy for 17.5 years in various capacities. As the Director of Demand Side Management and Renewable programs my responsibilities include oversight leadership of the Demand Side Management and the Clean Energy team. Additional responsibilities include development and implementation, analysis and cost recovery of cost-effective statewide demand side management, Clean Energy and Transportation Electrification programs which provide exceptional service to customers.

​Accomplishments: Being a great role model to my kids and to women in the STEM field is one of my biggest accomplishments and responsibilities at the same time. I have mentored many people and I truly enjoy seeing and helping others grow.  

Goals: Continue to grow and see more women in the STEM field.

Personal or professional Advice for LIP? 

• Don’t give up even when it seems impossible, stay focused and follow your dreams. Every day I tell myself “tomorrow will be better”. Stay positive and be kind to yourself.
  
• Find mentors and pay it forward by becoming a mentor your-self; my mentees push me to grow to continue to have experience and knowledge to share with them.
  
• Volunteer for assignments and special projects even if its outside of your comfort zone.
  
• Self-reflection has helped incredibly with my growth; it gives us the opportunity to continue to work on ourselves and get better. 
  
• Carve time daily or weekly to work on yourself and try not to feel guilty, we Latinas want to serve and please our family and friends and often forget to invest in ourselves. If you have kids use it as a teaching moment, share with them what you are doing to work on your self and tell them the “why”. 
  
• Give back to the community and network.