Lena Rodriguez defines herself as an educational tour guide. The itinerary for this assistant professor of management in SDSU’s College of Business includes Peterson Gym. That’s where students compete in the Organizational Behavior tournament, a basketball competition that reflects lessons in leadership and other management concepts.

“It is my responsibility to disseminate general information about the real world of business and management in a creative and informative manner,” says Rodriguez, 35. She has a doctorate in business administration and a lifelong interest in entrepreneurship. Her father and four grandparents are entrepreneurs.

Rodriguez has been at SDSU since 2000. Because she was new to the area, Rodriguez contacted the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce soon after arriving. She was recruited to speak at the 2001 Latina Conference and is now an annual speaker.

With her background, it was natural for Rodriguez to spearhead the university’s Hispanic Entrepreneurial Initiative launched this year to bring together academic and business resources to stimulate economic development.

Those who brainstormed on the initiative included Robert Villarreal, then-chamber CEO. Villarreal, now working in community affairs for Bank of America, nominated Rodriguez for the 40 Under Forty recognition.

At SDSU, Rodriguez is known for her frequent companion, Elliot the shih tzu. She received additional recognition this spring. Outstanding graduates in each major select their most influential professor. Rodriguez received the management department title.

Says Rodriguez, “I spend countless hours creating learning experiences that make a difference in students’ lives, and this award legitimized my efforts. As my dad always says, ‘The richest people in the world are those that touch the lives of others.’”

— Liz Swain