Human Rights Community Engagement

Bettina Rodriguez ***************.*****************@*****.*** Miami, FL 305-***-****

Summary

Visionary executive with 20 years of experience in government and policy development, recognized for transformative leadership in advancing economic empowerment. A strategic thinker with a proven track record in policy implementation that drives organizational growth and community engagement. As an elected official, she demonstrated strong governance skills by balancing budgets, drafting legislation, and creating departments. She has a master’s in international law, focusing on intercultural human rights and space law. Bettina excels in local, state, federal, and international diplomacy, significantly impacting communities through strategic policy and coalition building.

Skills

Executive Leadership & Organizational Strategy

Public Speaking & High Impact Advocacy

Media Engagement (Radio, Television, Print, Social)

Cross-Cultural Communication -Stakeholder Engagement

Data Analysis -Strategic Decision Making

Policy Development - Implementation

Economic Development -Growth Initiatives

Program Management-Performance Metrics

Space Law-Human Rights-Women’s Issues

Experience

BETTINARA ENTERPRISES, INC. - MIAMI, FL- President 01/2012 - Present

Facilitated the loan application process for over 400 survivors of disasters, including Andrew, Irma, Ian, Milton, and others. Coordinating with disaster assistance programs, leading to faster approval times for affected businesses and individuals.

Secured critical supplies and funding by managing logistics, overseeing 50+ volunteers, organizing transportation, and personally visiting survivors, ensuring the timely distribution of necessary resources.

Enabled 150+ businesses to obtain federal, state, county, school board, and private certifications, including set-aside programs such as Women-Owned, 8A, and Veterans, increasing their eligibility for government contracts. Provided one-on-one consultation and coaching to entrepreneurs on starting and developing.

Increased community engagement by supervising disaster relief efforts and driving collaboration with local stakeholders, which improved the efficiency and coverage of disaster recovery operations. Secured over $20 million in relief funds by facilitating government aid programs (SBA/FEMA), ensuring financial support for businesses affected by COVID-19-disaster assistance and multiple natural disasters.

Created and delivered 800+ training sessions on leadership, democratization, and women's empowerment across 20+ countries, driving public awareness and legislative reforms, including developing 17 laws to democratize Albania through USAID, the Women of Libya GOTV, IRI, and other government programs.

Authored 20+ bilingual workbooks on entrepreneurship, leadership, and advocacy, tailoring educational content for diverse audiences, resulting in enhanced business acumen and successful loan approvals for 90% of over 700 startups. Led over 200 public speaking engagements with corporations and governments.

Managed over 200 virtual clients and students by providing expert consultation on disaster relief, business planning, and leadership development, increasing client engagement and business success rates through personalized training and support.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION-DISASTER ASSISTANCE 11/2022 - 04/2023

Accomplished timely processing of over 100 business, home, and EIDL loan applications by guiding disaster survivors through accurate form completion, ensuring compliance with federal requirements.

Achieved a 95% loan closing accuracy rate by explaining loan closing documents, identifying and verifying legal documentation, and completing the loan disbursement process for approved applicants.

Facilitated a 30% increase in successful loan disbursements by preparing and reviewing detailed financial statements, ensuring proper documentation, and submitting paperwork for final approval.

Resolved over 80 complex survivor issues by providing tailored solutions, coordinating with internal departments, and delivering accurate guidance to streamline the assistance process.

Enhanced customer satisfaction ratings by 20% by delivering clear, step-by-step explanations of loan terms and conditions, resulting in improved understanding and faster loan acceptance.

MIAMI DADE COLLEGE MIAMI, FL -Professor 02/2015 - 02/2017

Founded and launched the “Women's Institute” by authoring a 126-hour leadership and history curriculum, empowering over 50 students in leadership roles.

Developed and delivered five courses and four instructors, achieving a 90% course completion rate through expertly curated, high-impact curricula.

Designed and implemented a curriculum covering critical areas like gender studies, conflict resolution, and public speaking, leading to three successful graduating cohorts and measurable community impact projects.

Increased accessibility and engagement in leadership training by authoring and teaching the first six-month bilingual (English and Spanish) “Women Empowering Leadership” certificate course, certifying over 30 participants.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN UNITY SUMMIT-MIAMI, FL-Founder and Director 01/2015

Accomplished global engagement by organizing the first International Women Unity Summit, uniting participants from 23 countries and eight world leaders, resulting in an impactful dialogue on critical global issues.

Increased international visibility by live-streaming the conference worldwide, amplifying participation and engagement beyond the 200+ in-person attendees.

Strengthened public outreach by directing a communications team, serving as the official spokesperson, and training an outreach team to boost attendee engagement and awareness.

Executed seamless event logistics by coordinating a full-day conference with seven panels, over 40 speakers, and discussions on critical topics, ensuring timely and efficient operations.

Enhanced global advocacy by overseeing and shaping the meeting agenda, addressing education, economic development, leadership, and violence against women, elevating future leaders.

CITY OF DORAL, DORAL, FL-Vice-Mayor 11/2012-11/2014

Closed two human trafficking centers by creating and introducing a citywide program and coordinating police and code enforcement training to enhance response effectiveness.

Reduced small business license requirements by implementing new policies and launching a business education program, supporting local entrepreneurs and boosting economic development.

Balanced the City of Doral's budget while coordinating economic development services, positioning the city as Florida's #1 location for business growth.

Accelerated business processing time by establishing an intergovernmental agreement for licensing and permits, significantly improving operational efficiency for local businesses.

Passed an ordinance creating the Commission on the Status of Women and the Women Doralian Leadership Award, promoting gender equity and leadership opportunities within the city.

CITY OF DORAL, DORAL, FL- Economic Developer-01/2008-11/2012

Established the Economic Development Department, implementing policies that developed a vibrant nightlife and tourism sector that was previously non-operational, representing an increase of 60% growth.

Attracted over 3,000 businesses in record time by developing and implementing the City of Doral's first economic development plan, contributing to its designation as the second fastest-growing municipality in the U.S. and the #1 startup city in Florida.

Increased business retention and expansion by creating targeted redevelopment plans, including business districts, Brownfields, training programs, marketing materials, and a relocation guide.

Drove community engagement by coordinating the City of Doral Job Fair and Business & Community Day, which drew over 600 participants, fostering local employment opportunities.

Boosted visibility and business support by launching successful programs like Social Fridays, GIS Business Locator, and the Business Inclusion Program, increasing local business participation by 70%.

Enhanced decision-making for city leaders by formulating e-books and six economic development workbooks, including a 35-page business census and SWOT analysis, guiding strategies to attract and retain businesses. Spearheaded the relocation of 32 bilateral Chambers of Commerce to Doral.

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, MIAMI, FL-Adjunct Professor -1997-1999

Developed and launched the University of Miami's first Spanish-language leadership certificate program by designing comprehensive coursework, graduating three cohorts, and enhancing communication, conflict resolution, and leadership skills in over 50 students.

Facilitated leadership training through four specialized courses, equipping participants with critical skills in diversity, management, and effective communication, resulting in improved professional performance.

Established a certificate course advisory board by collaborating with industry and community leaders, driving program relevance and community engagement.

NEW WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR CENTER-MIAMI, FL Chairwoman & Founder -1992-2000

Founded the New Women Entrepreneur Center, providing business startup and development assistance to over 600 men and women, successfully launching 350+ new businesses.

Secured funding through private and governmental grants and gifts, raising over $2.2 million to support program initiatives and operational needs.

Innovated and led the first incubator women's center for eight years, delivering capital access, networking opportunities, training programs, and resources, benefiting 400+ underrepresented entrepreneurs.

Established comprehensive programs, including executive office suites, training, business skills consulting, networking, government contracting, and an annual awards ceremony, enhancing business success and recognition for over 200 entrepreneurs and leaders.

METROPOLITAN DADE-COUNTY, MIAMI, FL- Intern to Ombudsman- 1975-1992

Accomplished efficient oversight of services by managing 25 departments across Miami-Dade County, state, federal, and municipal governments, ensuring timely delivery and effective resolution of resident complaints.

Authored the ‘Citizen Services Guide to Metro,' which provided detailed information on government programs at all levels and improved resident access to services.

Enhanced community engagement by serving as a social worker and community organizer, assisting residents in accessing critical services and local information, leading to a 30% increase in service.

Was promoted from intern in the welfare department to social worker, government liaison, and Ombudsman, demonstrating exceptional skills in constituency services and government operations.

Community Experience (selected)

Cuba Today Radio Program 1999-2000-Founded and hosted the first English Radio show addressing the Cuban Communist government’s impact on the United States and the global community.

Political Analyst- 2008-present, worked on multiple platforms and campaigns.

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) -2008-2012-Florida State Director- Spearheaded initiatives in housing, facilitated workshops, and provided training in media engagement, public speaking, and advocacy to over 1,000 volunteers. Successfully advocated and passed legislation focused on nationwide economic development programs promoting conservative values. Developed programs aimed at raising awareness of political prisoners and the Ladies in White, highlighting the realities of communism globally.

Cuban American National Foundation-(CANF) 1987-1990-International General Coordinator- Trained over 100 volunteers nationally and internationally for a global public awareness campaign focused on educating the public and mass media about the human rights violations perpetrated by the Cuban government against its citizens. Developed policy procedures and established a dedicated website that presented over 10,000 documented human rights violation cases to the United Nations Secretary-General. This resulted in a formal condemnation of the Cuban government and the release of 600 political prisoners. Provided relocation assistance to the United States and supported their adaptation to their new environment.

Education

UDENY, Certificates, Space Law 101. 201. 301, International Law of Space, Space Entrepreneurship, 01/2025

Applied Technology Institute- Course Astropolitics, Human Relationship to the Space Enterprise, Winning Space Wars 11/ 2024

School of Disruption, -Course. International Space Law and AI in Space, 10/10/2024

St Thomas University - Miami, Florida LLM -Master of Law -International Intercultural Human Rights Law, 05/2024

Thesis- Moon Mining for Earth‘s Sustainability

Pontifice Instituto de Estudios Religiosa Brasilia - Doctorate Honoris Causa, 01/2010

Anthropology and Human Rights

University of Miami - Coral Gables, FL Certificate Course Budget and Financial Management 11/1985

Florida International University - Miami, FL Bachelor of Science Social Work, 05/1979

Miami Dade Community College - Miami, FL Associated of Arts Psychology, 01/1977

Recognitions and Awards (selected)

City of Doral, Congratulatory Certi., Recognition Human Rights & Economic Development Impact. 2024

Organization of American States &AMEX - Recognition, Human Trafficking. 2023

United Nations, Recognition by Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General, Women/Girls Against Violence. 2014

Department of State, Recognition, Economic Development Project with FAVACA. 2012

LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) Women’s Hall of Fame. 2009

NHLI (National Hispana Leadership Institute) Fellow. 1994

Florida International University, Distinguished Alumnae. 1995

Organizations (selected)

International Bar Association -Space law & Human Right committee, Member-2024

Miami Dade County Human Trafficking Coalition-Member-2024

Miami Dade Safespace Center Foundation-Board-2010-present

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