When we observe personality types, Defenders help make the world go round. Hardworking and devoted, these personalities feel a deep sense of responsibility to those around them. Defenders can be counted on to meet deadlines, remember birthdays and special occasions, uphold traditions, and shower their loved ones with gestures of care and support. But they rarely demand recognition for all they do, preferring to operate behind the scenes.

This is a capable, can-do personality type with a wealth of versatile gifts. Though sensitive and caring, Defenders also have excellent analytical abilities and an eye for detail. And despite their reserve, they tend to have well-developed people skills and robust social relationships. It is no wonder that Elisabeth Rodriguez is not only a Defender, but also serves as an Assistant Statewide Prosecutor for the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, and her varied strengths shine in even the most ordinary aspects of her daily life.

Elisabeth’s dad is Puerto Rican, and her mother is originally from West Berlin. It is there her parents met while her father was stationed during his time with the Army. After marriage, they eventually settled in California for several years before ultimately moving their family to Port Orange, FL, when Elisabeth was in Junior High School. As a graduate of UF and earning a law degree from Nova Southeastern University this determined and driven woman was destined to do great things from a very early age.

Elisabeth is a self-proclaimed opinionated thinker, which makes it easy to understand her interest in law. “My grandfather knew I’d become an attorney long before I did. We would have ‘spirited discussions’ when I was maybe six years old. I remember one discussion when my grandfather insisted that Disney Princesses needed Princes to protect them. I walked out of the room for a few moments to formulate my rebuttal and then came back armed with my response.” It was then that her family saw the emergence of her budding career in law.

She continues, “I was the youngest of three children with two older brothers and we were raised in a very Hispanic family. However, my parents believed in gender equality and insisted I learn to stand up for myself as they did with my brothers. Both my brothers have learning disabilities, so I have always been protective of them.” It is evident that Elisabeth Rodriguez was a Defender from the moment she was conceived.

She has always been an advocate for those who could not advocate for themselves. Giving back to others and helping those less fortunate make up her personal constitution. While she acknowledges she has strong opinions, she will also admit to having a big heart and being a bit of a protector with a responsibility to take care of others.

What does this powerhouse Prosecutor do for self-care? It started with the rescue adoption of her best furry friend, a 12-lb mini poodle named Lucy. This little pup is full of sass and thinks she’s a 120 lb. German Sheppard. She brings total joy to Elisabeth and is her closest companion. During COVID-19, Elisabeth discovered the Zen qualities of gardening and fancies herself quite an urban gardener! Gardening offers her the therapy of stress reduction while teaching patience and perspective.

When your mom is a teacher and nurturer, you often grow up wanting to make the world a better place. Advocating for victims is not only her passion but also her vocation as a Prosecutor. Her role is to speak on a victim’s and the communities’ behalf, which also translates to her personal platform. “I come from a background where philanthropy was very important. I have been volunteering since I was in middle school. I feel Philanthropy provides an opportunity to understand people better and gives you perspective on personal advantages that many people don’t have access to. Being around people who are not exactly like me gives me a better understanding of others and creates an opportunity for personal growth.”

This dynamo attorney finds the time to give back in her professional career as well. When she realized that 1% of high-ranking women in the legal profession are Hispanic she worked with the Broward County Bar Association and the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association to create a speaker series in celebration of successful Hispanic Women in the Broward legal community. The event “Latinas in Law” has become an annual event for both organizations in recognition of Women’s History Month.

We are pleased and proud to welcome Elisabeth Rodriguez, a powerful legal advocate and philanthropist, to join forces with Glam-A-THON™ in our mission to assist local breast cancer patients with mental counseling and the emotional support they need when facing this devasting disease.