Maria Elena Rodriguez
Director of Research and Community Partnerships
(she, her, ella)
Based in Puerto Rico, Maria Elena has over fifteen years of community-engaged food systems experience. In her role as Director of Research and Community Partnerships at DAISA, Maria Elena conducts field-building research, provides project management and strategic assistance to clients, and fosters collaboration and capacity-building among community-based food systems organizations. Maria Elena has contributed to the development of the Produce Prescription (PRx) model and field including conducting national, participant-engaged field research, co-creating a PRx equity framework, and leading technical assistance efforts for multiple communities of practice of PRx practitioners.
Maria Elena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington in Seattle and a Master’s degree in Community Development from the University of California, Davis. Maria Elena is an alumna of Soul Fire Farm BIPOC Immersion, Proyecto Agroecológico El Josco Bravo, and the Rockwood Leadership Institute, and volunteers with El Departamento de la Comida de Puerto Rico. She is committed to creating a food system that honors ancestral knowledge, uplifts Black, Indigenous, and other POC communities, nourishes the environment, and deepens Queer community.
Director of Research and Community Partnerships
(she, her, ella)
Based in Puerto Rico, Maria Elena has over fifteen years of community-engaged food systems experience. In her role as Director of Research and Community Partnerships at DAISA, Maria Elena conducts field-building research, provides project management and strategic assistance to clients, and fosters collaboration and capacity-building among community-based food systems organizations. Maria Elena has contributed to the development of the Produce Prescription (PRx) model and field including conducting national, participant-engaged field research, co-creating a PRx equity framework, and leading technical assistance efforts for multiple communities of practice of PRx practitioners.
Maria Elena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington in Seattle and a Master’s degree in Community Development from the University of California, Davis. Maria Elena is an alumna of Soul Fire Farm BIPOC Immersion, Proyecto Agroecológico El Josco Bravo, and the Rockwood Leadership Institute, and volunteers with El Departamento de la Comida de Puerto Rico. She is committed to creating a food system that honors ancestral knowledge, uplifts Black, Indigenous, and other POC communities, nourishes the environment, and deepens Queer community.