Alexandra Rodriguez ’21 is building career paths in branding and law enforcement

FEBRUARY 28, 2025 — Alexandra Rodriguez ’21 received her bachelor’s degree in pre-law from the UTSA Institute of Law and Public Affairs, graduating magna cum laude and with departmental honors. She is now a brand specialist for Adidas, where she oversees field marketing, consumer activations and brand education. She credits UTSA for developing her skills in data analysis, qualitative research and community engagement for her success in the role.

Originally from Killeen, Texas, Rodriguez’s academic and professional journey has been anything but traditional. She first pursued a career in law enforcement, enrolling in training at the San Antonio Police Academy before deciding to pursue higher education. She attended Texas State University and later earned an associate degree from San Antonio College, finally finding the right fit when she transferred to UTSA.

“Transferring to UTSA was the best decision I’ve made,” Rodriguez said. “I was thrilled to see they offered a pre-law program, and as a Latina, I appreciated that UTSA is a Hispanic Serving Institution. I felt more aligned with the culture and opportunities there.”

“UTSA gave me the tools to pivot, to keep pushing forward no matter what obstacles came my way. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to never settle.”

Rodriguez enrolled in UTSA’s pre-law program in the fall of 2020. Although her time on campus was limited due to the pandemic, she found opportunities to engage in academic research. Under the guidance of Bryan Gervais, associate professor of political science and geography, she conducted an undergraduate thesis on the housing crisis, focusing on qualitative data collection and the human experiences behind the statistics. She earned departmental honors for that research, which gave her a competitive edge in applying to graduate programs.

“From the professors who took the time to support me to the opportunities I had to engage in meaningful research, I always felt like I was part of a community that wanted me to succeed,” Rodriguez said. “Even though my time on campus was limited, I never felt disconnected. The support I received gave me the confidence to pursue my education and career with purpose.”

After graduating from UTSA in 2021, Rodriguez moved to Sacramento, California, with her husband and began working as a legal assistant at Nyman Turkish PC. During this time, she realized that becoming an attorney was not the right path for her. Seeking a new direction, she transitioned into marketing, leading to her current role as a brand specialist for Adidas, where she oversees field marketing, consumer activations and brand education.

“People might think marketing and law are completely different, but there are so many parallels,” Rodriguez said. “My work for Adidas involves gathering insights, conducting interviews and understanding consumer behavior, which are all skills I developed at UTSA through my research.”

Still committed to a future in law enforcement, Rodriguez earned her master’s degree in government law and policy from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law in December 2024 while continuing her role at Adidas. She remains dedicated to her goal and is currently undergoing the background check process with the Sacramento Police Department. She hopes to begin a career as a mounted police officer and eventually transition into detective work, where she can apply her research and investigative skills in a new capacity.

“I’ve always had a strong sense of justice,” Rodriguez said. “As a first-generation Latina, my mother often struggled to navigate the legal system, and there were times when I felt justice wasn’t served. That experience fueled my interest in law and law enforcement, driving me to be part of the change.”

Reflecting on her academic and professional journey, Rodriguez is grateful to UTSA for providing the foundation that has allowed her to explore multiple career paths while staying committed to her long-term goals.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without UTSA, and I am so proud to be an alumna,” said Rodriguez. “The university provided me with the resources and opportunities to grow both academically and professionally. Whether in marketing or law enforcement, the skills I gained there have been invaluable in helping me navigate different opportunities.”

She added, “UTSA gave me the tools to pivot, to keep pushing forward no matter what obstacles came my way. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to never settle. Keep knocking on doors, keep going after what you want, and always have a plan B and C. You never know where your path might lead.”

— Jordan Allen