Jennifer Rodriguez

Jennifer Rodriguez, J.D. is Executive Director of the Youth Law Center (YLC), a public interest law firm that advocates for the transformation of foster care and juvenile justice systems nationally so youth can thrive.  Her goal is to ensure that youth in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems receive the parenting necessary to heal and thrive and live in conditions that meet their developmental and emotional needs.

Jennifer spent many years of her childhood in foster care and juvenile justice facilities, and has spent most of her life fighting for justice, compassion and opportunity for system-involved youth.  Before coming to the YLC Jennifer served for eight years at the California Youth Connection where her leadership resulted in major legislative and policy victories for probation and foster youth, including stronger educational rights, higher education funding, increased funding for transition services, and promotion of normalcy and permanence for teenagers.  Jennifer received her G.E.D. from San Jose Job Corps, her B.A. from UC Davis, and her J.D. from UC Davis Law School.