Alexander Rodriguez

Torrington resident Alexander Rodriguez has a lot of family history at Western Connecticut State University. “WestConn holds a special place in my family, as seven of my relatives have attended, including my twin brother, Christopher Rodriguez; my older brothers, Richy and Victor; and my cousins, Vivian Jimenez Rijo, Stanly Rijo, Emmanuel Rijo, and Emily Rodriguez,” he said.

So, it’s not surprising that when the time came to pick a university, Rodriguez’s choice was WestConn. Already ahead of the game, he enrolled with 12 credits from UConn/AP courses that he took while in high school.

“Coming from a first-generation family, my path has been shaped by perseverance and ambition,” he explained. “My mother, a single parent who speaks only Spanish, raised four children on her own. From shelter homes to owning multiple properties, she has been my greatest inspiration, teaching me resilience and determination.”

That resilience and determination have paid off for Rodriguez, who, as a junior, has already made his mark on the university. “At WestConn, I have worked tirelessly to make an impact,” he said. “From my very first week on campus, I sought out ways to contribute meaningfully. One of the most defining aspects of my journey has been my involvement with the Career Success Center. Inspired by my older brother, who once worked there, I made it my goal to be part of this vital resource. Through this role, I have helped countless students and alumni find opportunities, providing them with professional clothing, resume guidance, and career strategies. I have connected with students from all backgrounds, including those whose primary language is Spanish, and have guided them toward achieving their aspirations. My dedication to this mission even earned me the nickname ‘Mr. Career Success,’ a testament to the impact I strive to make every day.”

In addition to his work at the Career Success Center, Rodriguez serves as president of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), leading a chapter of more than 3,000 members. “This role has challenged me to develop my leadership skills on a profound level, from planning large-scale events to mentoring members in goal-setting and accountability,” Rodriguez said. “I work closely with our national advisor to ensure that our chapter continues to thrive and empower future leaders.”

He also has been nominated to be president of the Western Entrepreneurial Society three times, and for this upcoming fall, he has accepted the nomination.

Beyond his campus leadership, Rodriguez founded his own digital marketing agency, AscendMySales, where he specializes in building websites, crafting email campaigns, designing sales funnels, and implementing automated workflows and pipelines. “My expertise in digital marketing has allowed me to drive meaningful results for businesses. At one of the alumni annual meetings hosted by the Career Success Center, I successfully closed my first $1,000-a-month client, a pivotal moment that marked the growth of my agency. My entrepreneurial journey continues to expand as I refine my skills and provide valuable services to my clients.”

Rodriguez’s contributions have been recognized by not only his peers and WestConn alumni, but also by the Interim Dean of the Ancell School of Business, Dr.  Yaseen Hayajneh, who encouraged Rodriguez to apply for the Hancock Student Leadership Program. Hayajneh also personally invited him to exclusive events, including dinners with the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce. “Through my growing network, I have forged powerful connections and continue to seize opportunities that enhance both my personal and professional development,” Rodriguez said.

In addition to his business endeavors, Rodriguez’s academic pursuits include his dedication to his program of study. “I am actively studying cybersecurity, familiarizing myself with key concepts in the field while learning the Python programming language,” he said. “My interest in technology has driven me to explore the intersection of security and digital innovation, further broadening my expertise.”

Rodriguez said his journey at WestConn has also led him to embrace new challenges beyond academics. Through the support of his community, he was encouraged to join a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym, where he continues to develop discipline, resilience, and a strong mindset — qualities that translate into every aspect of his life, he said.

“Despite my successes, my journey has not been without struggles,” Rodriguez acknowledged. “However, I have embraced each challenge as an opportunity to grow. Now, as I near the completion of my degree — the last in my family to do so — I carry with me the lessons of resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief that we can shape our own destinies. I look forward to staying connected and continuing to create meaningful change at WestConn.”

Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.