Maria Paula Rodriguez

Maria Paula Rodríguez is originally from Bogotá, Colombia, and grew up in Yopal, Casanare. Maria Paula earned her law degree from “Universidad Santo Tomás” in Bogotá, Colombia, and spent three years engaged with the Human Rights and International Law Research Group. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and is currently completing her English as a Second Language (ESL) course at Truman College.

Maria Paula’s passion for social justice began during her work as a legal assistant in Colombia, where she supported vulnerable populations, including single mothers, senior citizens, and low-wage workers. After moving to Chicago in 2022, she experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating the workforce as an immigrant, taking jobs in restaurants, factories, and snow removal. Facing discrimination and a lack of accessible legal information, she became determined to learn more about immigrant rights and use her knowledge to help others.

In 2024, Maria Paula volunteered with organizations as an immigrant recruiter, educating marginalized workers about their labor rights and helping them access better wages. She joined FLAP in 2024 as Bilingual Administrative and Intake Assistant, and then, she was promoted to Bilingual Outreach and Intake Senior Assistant, Bilingual Outreach and Legal Support Coordinator (2025) and Bilingual Outreach and Legal Support Specialist (2026).

Maria Paula plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s programs including community outreach and education efforts at Consulates and supporting the Legal development of cases, ensuring that low-wage workers receive the resources and information they need to defend their rights.