Seeing Your Skills Differently: A gener8tor Skills Conversation with J. Desiree Rodriguez
In this episode of our gener8tor Skills Impact Series, Anne Nadel sits down with J. Desiree Rodriguez, Ph.D., educator, author, and literacy advocate, to explore how expanding her skill set helped her navigate career uncertainty with more clarity and confidence.
While finishing her doctorate and exploring new opportunities in communication leadership, Desiree enrolled in the Project Management program to strengthen her existing expertise. What she discovered was not a completely new skill set, but a new way of understanding the work she had already been doing. Many of the skills she developed in education had direct applications beyond the classroom, once they were framed through the lens of project management.
Balancing academic responsibilities, home life, and the program required discipline and intention. With the right structure, coaching, and support, she was able to stay focused and make meaningful progress.
A few highlights from the conversation:
Project management builds on skills professionals already use, even if they have never labeled them that way
Structured and flexible learning makes it possible to grow during busy seasons of life
1:1 coaching helps translate new knowledge into real career direction
Ongoing support and alumni access extend the value of learning well beyond the program
Desiree’s mindset captures the experience clearly: if you can do it in one space, you can learn to apply it in another.
Watch the full conversation here:
