About

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 Adrian Rodriguez's story begins at one of the most politically charged and socially complex places in the world: the border between Mexico and the United States. Born in this region, Adrian grew up witnessing the profound disparities between the two nations. He saw families divided, economies disrupted, and communities ignored—most of all, he observed the human cost of policies like NAFTA, which, despite their promises of prosperity, left many border communities devastated. Factories closed, jobs disappeared, and those who depended on local economies were left to fend for themselves. Adrian's heart was with the people, those forgotten in the economic equations, and he vowed from an early age to make a difference.

The son of two cultures, Adrian grew up straddling the realities of both countries, developing a unique perspective on binational identity and justice. His journey began in Tijuana, where he pursued his Bachelor of Laws at the Autonomous University of Baja California. It was here that Adrian’s passion for justice found focus. With each case he studied, he saw not just legal problems but the struggles of real people—workers, immigrants, and families, whose lives were upended by forces beyond their control. Adrian realized that law wasn’t just a profession; it was a tool, a means to defend the defenseless and fight for the dignity of those who had been overlooked.

Determined to use his education for good, Adrian began his career working on the front lines of social justice, serving as a legal affairs coordinator for the Mexican government in Baja California. But it was his work in California’s Central Valley that truly cemented his path. Here, in one of the most agriculturally rich yet economically fragile regions of the U.S., Adrian found his calling: advocating for farmworkers, many of whom were undocumented immigrants. These were the people who labored in the fields, ensuring food reached tables across America, yet they often lived in poverty and without basic protections. Adrian worked through the Consulate of Mexico, organizing legal aid and community services that gave these workers a voice. He became known for his tireless efforts to secure fair wages, better working conditions, and access to vital services like healthcare and housing.

His experiences in the Central Valley left a lasting impact. Adrian witnessed the power of grassroots advocacy but also realized the limits of fighting from the margins. He knew that to effect lasting change, he had to work not only within communities but also within systems—reforming policy and reshaping the economic landscape.

With this goal in mind, Adrian pursued a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the prestigious Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago. There, he honed his skills in microeconomics, data analytics, and leadership, gaining a deeper understanding of how policy decisions at the highest levels impacted communities like those he had grown up in. He became one of only five students awarded a Pearson Institute Scholarship for his work on binational relations, specifically focusing on border security and economic trade policies that benefited local communities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico divide.

Adrian’s work caught the attention of leaders across industries, and soon he found himself at the intersection of policy, business, and technology. His mission remained clear: to empower Latino communities and close the wealth gap that has long hindered their progress. Adrian launched innovative programs to support small businesses, ensuring Latino entrepreneurs had access to the capital, resources, and networks they needed to thrive.

One of his most groundbreaking initiatives has been leading Contract Radar Maximizer (CORAMA), an AI-powered platform designed to democratize access to procurement opportunities for small, minority- and women-owned businesses. CORAMA revolutionizes how businesses secure contracts, drastically reducing the time and effort needed to find the right opportunities. Through this platform, Adrian continues to help entrepreneurs—often those from underrepresented backgrounds—gain a foothold in competitive markets, reducing unemployment disparities and fostering wealth creation within minority communities.

But Adrian's work isn't just about technology and policy; it's about people. Whether advocating for immigrant rights at the Mexican Consulate in Chicago or speaking at international forums like the World Chambers Congress, Adrian never forgets the individuals who inspired his journey—the farmworkers, small business owners, and families he grew up alongside at the border.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, CORAMA was a finalist at the 13th World Chambers Congress for its innovative approach to business development. In 2024, Adrian was named one of Negocios Now’s “40 under 40,” a recognition of his enduring commitment to public service and economic equity. Beyond his professional accolades, Adrian serves on the subcommittee for Workforce and Training in the Healing-Centered Illinois Task Force, helping shape the state’s future by focusing on trauma-informed and healing-centered policy.

Today, Adrian lives with his wife, Pauleth Jauregui, and their daughter Isabella, balancing his roles as a husband, father, and advocate. His journey—from the dusty streets of the border to the halls of policy and power—serves as a testament to the belief that justice should know no borders and that every community, no matter how small or overlooked, deserves to thrive.

Through it all, Adrian remains driven by the same passion that first stirred in him as a child: a deep, unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and the belief that we are all responsible for uplifting those who need it most.