Yelena Rodriguez’s Rise in the Latin Music Scene

Yelena Rodriguez ’19, a rising star in Latin music, made history as the inaugural recipient of the Boston Music Award for Latin Artist of the Year.

Known for her soulful, passionate soundscapes, Rodriguez's music explores themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery. Her latest single, “La Rosa,” embodies her signature style—rich, melodic arrangements paired with heartfelt lyrics that resonate with listeners.

At Emmanuel, Rodriguez embraced her heritage as a woman of Cuban-Dominican descent, serving as co-president of Helping Unite Emmanuel Latinos Lead and Achieve Success (HUELLAS), the College’s club for Latino students. She also immersed herself in cultural organizations across campus, including the Black Student Union, joining a community where diverse voices were celebrated. Drawn to Emmanuel for its location in the heart of Boston, close-knit campus, and dedicated faculty, Rodriguez found a supportive environment that helped shape her ambitions and artistry.

Supportive Mentors

Throughout her time at Emmanuel, Rodriguez was guided by professors, including Dr. Ivy Krull, Associate Professor of Sociology, Dr. Taylor Hall, former Emmanuel Lecturer in Social Work, and mentors who recognized her talents and encouraged her to explore them. "My professors and mentors genuinely cared about my journey, both personally and creatively,” she said. “They gave me the confidence to bring my heritage and my voice to the forefront.” This support, along with Emmanuel’s collaborative atmosphere, helped her grow not only as a musician but also as a leader.

Graduating with a degree in communications and a minor in psychology, Rodriguez dove headfirst into her music career after graduation. “I’m building a career with the hope of becoming a well-known, established international Latin artist,” she shared, reflecting the ambition that has driven her since childhood.

Inspired by Selena’s Story

Rodriguez’s love for music was sparked at the age of seven, when her father introduced her to Selena, the biographical film about the iconic Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla Pérez. The movie left a profound impact on her as a young girl. “Watching her story really inspired me, especially as a Hispanic-American myself,” she explained. “Seeing how hard she worked to make it in the industry inspired me as a little girl to pursue music.”

Though she initially felt nervous about performing, Rodriguez discovered her calling during a high school choir performance, singing Adele’s "Set Fire to the Rain." That moment sparked a deep connection to performing. "It just felt like home,” she said.

Since then, Rodriguez has performed at numerous notable venues, including Boston's Royale, where she recently opened for Latin artist María Becerra. Her performances range from intimate settings to larger stages like TD Garden for a Boston Celtics halftime show, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Her dedication and passion have garnered her significant recognition, including three nominations for the Latin Artist of the Year award from the Boston Music Awards—most recently in 2024, a title she won previously, marking a pivotal moment for Latin music representation in Boston. “Winning that award really brought a lot of awareness to who I am and increased my exposure,” Rodriguez noted.

Balancing her burgeoning music career with her day job at the 988 Crisis Line, Rodriguez finds ways to incorporate her psychology background into her work. While supporting callers on the crisis line, she also invests time, energy, and resources into her music. She advises aspiring musicians to be patient and strategic, emphasizing the importance of educating oneself about the music industry. “Don’t be one of those artists who had amazing careers but didn’t understand the music business. Educate yourself, be patient, and be willing to invest smartly in your career,” she advised.

Dreaming Big Beyond Music

In addition to her music, Rodriguez has big plans for the future. She dreams of launching her own unisex perfume line and a nonprofit for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, reflecting her entrepreneurial spirit and compassion.

For now, her focus remains on her music, and she hopes her journey will inspire others to pursue their dreams. “When you have a goal and a dream, you just have to keep going,” she said.