Elaina Rodriguez always had an interest in health care, but knew she didn’t want to be a nurse or doctor. Instead, she saw herself using her bilingual English-Spanish skills in administrative work and followed that vision to a bachelor’s degree in health care administration from Carroll University in 2023.
“I did my undergrad during the Covid-19 pandemic, and there were a lot of conversations about the connection between health care and affordable housing. After all, access to health care depends largely on community design,” she said. “I spent a lot of time considering how public health affects community development.”
It was the spark of what would lead Rodriguez to UW-Milwaukee’s Master of Urban Planning program. She was attracted to the curriculum.
“When I saw that the program leaned heavily into learning how to engage with one’s community to make sure everyone’s voices are heard — I was interested,” she said.
Planning for health, building for equity
Rodriguez entered the MUP program as a Welford Sanders scholar, receiving a university scholarship that honors the late UWM faculty member who spearheaded the development of Milwaukee’s Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
She also interned at Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha & Jefferson Counties. There, she worked with homeowners, subcontractors and the state Department of Health Services to remove lead from the organization’s affiliate houses.
“It’s directly tied into what I’m studying: how health care and life relate,” Rodriguez said. “The lead abatement program is new, and it’s all about considering how where you live affects your health outcomes … how long you live, infant and child mortality, and even day-to-day quality of life.”
Forging connections
The thought Rodriguez brings to her studies is also evident in her extracurricular activities. She has volunteered with Best Buddies since her time at Carroll and continues to do so at UW-Milwaukee. The program fosters the development of close friendships with individuals with developmental disabilities.
“I’ve had my buddy since sophomore or junior year of undergrad and see him regularly,” Rodriguez said. “And then I have all kinds of informal buddies that I hang out with. We do dinner, Brewers and Admirals games, mini-golfing … You don’t realize the huge impact you can have on a buddy until you are fully invested in the organization.”
Rodriguez also created bridges at UW-Milwaukee, where she was an officer of the Milwaukee Student Planning Association. The organization provides opportunities for student members to attend planning-related conferences and lectures, propose solutions to real urban planning issues, and network with other students and professionals in the field.
As Rodriguez looks ahead to life after graduation, she’s excited to keep building on her core passion: “Engaging in community and making sure everyone’s voice is heard.”
