About Itzel's Work

Itzel Vasquez-Rodriguez (she/her/ella) is a first-year Master of Public Policy student at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs. Itzel currently works as a Policy Fellow with the Latino Policy & Politics Institute (LPPI) and a Research Fellow with the Luskin Center for Innovation (LCI). Itzel is passionate about water justice policy and ensuring all Californians have access to safe and affordable drinking water.

Originally from Lakewood, CA, Itzel is a proud Xicana of Cora descent and has a background in legislation, research, non-profit work, and advocacy in communities of color and Indigenous communities. Itzel previously served as an Engagement Coordinator for the State Water Board, where she worked in the tribal affairs program and the SAFER drinking water program. Prior to joining the State Water Board, Itzel worked as an Assembly Fellow with Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry’s office. Itzel earned her B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Economics at Harvard College.