User:Aidanr.62504

I’ve always believed that growth begins the moment you step into the unknown. This belief has shaped my journey of development in all aspects of my life. My name is Aidan Rodriguez. I am currently a senior at Iona University, majoring in Business Analytics & Information Systems with a minor in Data Science. Despite my academic background, I am more than what meets the eye. I love to learn and put myself in different environments due to my curiosity. This comes with applying the skills that I know regularly and connecting them with my passions.

My journey truly began when I joined the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization as a general member. That experience sparked a passion for leadership and entrepreneurship, and eventually led me to serve as President of Iona University's chapter. We are part of a vast network of over 250 universities and colleges whose mission is to inspire students by spreading the entrepreneurial mindset across their campuses. I am a firm believer that entrepreneurship doesn't just involve starting your own business; it is a mindset of continually learning and improving yourself to become an innovative leader in your own space.

This mindset guided me into professional experiences like my internships at the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation in Data & Metrics, where I explored the startup world, and at Related Companies in Security Operations, where I applied data analytics to real-world challenges. More importantly, it gave me the courage to put myself out there and take on opportunities I might have once hesitated to pursue — like participating in a hackathon hosted by Valley Bank and the LaPenta School of Business. Working with a team, we used machine learning and Python to predict customer churn and develop strategies to retain customers, ultimately winning 2nd place. These experiences taught me how leadership, innovation, and collaboration come together to create real impact.

Outside of school, I co-run an E-Commerce business of Pop Culture collectible items called "The Lair." More recently, I’ve discovered a passion for sports videography, combining my love for sports with creativity and storytelling. Together, these experiences have shaped me into someone who embraces challenges, pursues opportunities with curiosity, and is committed to creating impact wherever my passions take me.