E03 | From Hustle to Ecosystem: Elianne Rodriguez of LEEAF on Building Inclusive Pathways to Entrepreneurship

Elianne Rodriguez, Executive Director of LEEAF (Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator & Fellowship), shares how a lifelong connection to small business—and a chance bus ride into downtown LA—sparked her mission to build more inclusive, community-rooted startup ecosystems.

From selling Jordans and working multiple jobs, to launching a career in tech incubation and economic empowerment, Elianne’s story is a testament to resourcefulness, grit, and the belief that startup knowledge should be accessible to all. This episode explores her journey, the mission behind LEEAF, and what it really means to center equity in entrepreneurship.

Here’s what’s covered:

• Growing up in a side-hustle-driven immigrant household

• Finding her way into the startup world without traditional access

• Launching a tech incubator to demystify venture building

• How LEEAF supports founders from underserved communities

• Why language, location, and lived experience matter in program design

• Building infrastructure for entrepreneurs outside the typical startup mold

• The future of equitable innovation in LA and beyond

Learn more about LEEAF: https://www.calstatela.edu/leeaf