By Mariana Rodriguez
My name is Mariana Rodriguez. I was born in Apatzingán, Mexico, and I am a proud DACA recipient—one of many known as Dreamers. My journey into healthcare began long before I set foot in a classroom or hospital. It began as a young child translating for my parents during doctor appointments, trying to make sense of a world that often felt too big and too foreign.
Where the Calling Began
Growing up in the U.S during the early 2000’s I quickly realized that I belonged to an underrepresented community. Through witnessing loved ones battle cancer, heart conditions, and autoimmune diseases like lupus, I began to see healthcare not just as a profession, but as a purpose. A calling. An intricate puzzle with a missing puzzle piece. It is commonly said that you should become what you once needed when you were younger. My decision to become a nurse is rooted in compassion, resilience, and a drive to advocate for those whose voices often go unheard.
A Door Opens: My DxD Experience
Mariana (second from left) gives her final presentation with the Element Science team.
When I joined Diversity by Doing (DxD) Healthtech, I couldn’t have imagined how transformative it would be. When I began the program in January, 2025, I had only just applied for nursing school. But by the end of my time at DxD in April, I had been accepted to the San Francisco State University nursing program— an achievement that filled me with pride. As a result of being in DxD, I realized that healthcare is evolving—and that I had the opportunity to grow with it.
What struck me most about the program was the shared mission among all of the participants. Though we came from different backgrounds, all of us were united in our drive to bring diversity, equity and inclusion to healthcare. Claudine Joseph, Ingrid Ellerbe, Ron Page, and every guest speaker and mentor showed us what was possible, and they challenged us to think bigger.
And I did. Through DxD, I came to understand that healthcare extends far beyond clinical roles. At my company, Element Science, I learned about Jewel, an external defibrillator. I was stunned when I heard a real-life story about a man who collapsed in a store, was shocked by Jewel, woke up, and drove himself to the hospital. After four years working as a CNA, I had never heard of someone surviving cardiac arrest without CPR. It was eye-opening—and a clear example of how innovation saves lives.
From Nursing to Something Even Bigger
(l-r) Nick Lu, Dr. Zachary Edmonds, Mariana Rodriguez
As the first person in my family to attend college, I had no idea what obstacles I would face, or what kind of people I’d meet along the way. One of the most pivotal experiences in the DxD program was shadowing Dr. Zachary Edmonds, an internal medicine physician at El Camino Hospital. In just one day, we witnessed procedures like lumbar punctures and bone marrow biopsies. Dr. Zachary greeted us with warmth and generosity, showing us what it means to lead with both skill and heart.
For years, I had dreamed of becoming a nurse. But walking in the footsteps of Dr. Zachary gave rise to a new dream: the dream of becoming a doctor. A bigger dream.
A Message to Future DxD Participants
To the prospective students getting ready to begin their own DxD journey, I leave you with this:
- Maximize every opportunity that comes your way. And when none exists—create your own.
- The seeds you plant today will grow into the life you live tomorrow. So nurture your garden—invest in yourself, your growth, and your future. With time, patience, and purpose, you’ll reap the rewards of your efforts.
- Every challenge you face, every setback, and every success will shape who you become. These experiences don’t just build character—they prepare you for the path ahead and the impact you’re meant to make.
- And most importantly, enjoy it. Time flies when you’re surrounded by passionate people, meaningful work, and the excitement of discovering who you’re meant to be. Don’t be afraid to share your story, and never underestimate the value of your voice. You never know when someone else’s journey—or your own—will spark a better dream.
Learn more about DxD’s Pathways in Health Technology program here.