In this episode of the Gamechangers Podcast, live from the College of Communications, Architecture+Arts at FIU (Carta.fiu.edu), Sergio Tigera sits down with Ana Maria Rodriguez, Chair of the Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation and Florida State Senator, for a powerful conversation on service, resilience, communication, and legacy.

Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, Senator Rodriguez shares her unexpected journey from community service and healthcare advocacy to local government, the Florida House, and now the Florida Senate. She opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, blocking out the noise, and leading with purpose—even when the spotlight isn’t guaranteed.

In this episode, we explore:

Why service—not titles—is the foundation of authentic leadership

How mentorship can completely change your life’s trajectory

The importance of communication in public service and leadership

Mental fortitude, resilience, and blocking out naysayers

Environmental leadership in the Florida Keys, Everglades & Biscayne Bay

Workforce housing, coral reef restoration & nature-based solutions

Raising future leaders through example, not position

Her personal leadership motto: “It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice”

Can a smartphone app actually teach empathy and improve professional networking? In this episode, we dive into the results of a 30-day "Gamechangers" reflection program completed by an FIU Business MBA cohort. We analyze the data and raw feedback from students who spent a month tracking their "mini wins," practicing gratitude, and intentionally building connections.

Join us as we explore how a daily habit of mindfulness shifted students from being purely "task-motivated" to seeing the positive in their daily grind. We discuss the challenges of maintaining consistency while juggling work and family, and reveal why 100% of participants said they would recommend this reflection-based program to their peers.

Inside the Fight to End Human Trafficking | Tyler Schwab of Libertas International

In this powerful episode of Gamechangers Podcast, host Sergio Tigera sits down with Tyler Schwab, founder and CEO of Libertas International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying victims of human trafficking, working with local law enforcement across Latin America, and helping survivors rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.

From the streets of the Dominican Republic to courtrooms in the United States, Tyler shares the shocking realities of modern-day slavery—and the incredible stories of resilience and hope that keep him and his team fighting every day