Cr Ivonne Rodriguez, City of Canning (WA)
In this blog series, we ask our alums to tell us about their personal ‘pathway to politics’ and provide their recommendations for content that will help support, guide, inspire and engage other women on their political journey.
Hello everyone, I am Ivonne Rodriguez, a Councillor at the City of Canning and one of the 2025 alums of the Pathways program in WA. I am originally from Colombia, and my journey into politics has been shaped by migration, resilience, and a deep belief in the power of representation.
My pathway began long before I imagined standing for elected office. Back in Colombia, I studied Political Science with dreams of Diplomacy and International Affairs. One of the most formative experiences of my life was completing a traineeship with the Colombian Mission to the United Nations, where I had the privilege of being part of the General Assembly in 2005. Sitting in that chamber, surrounded by leaders from across the world, I understood the true weight of representation — who is at the table matters, and whose voices are absent matters just as much.
But when I migrated to Australia, I felt those dreams slip away. Starting again in a country with a different language and culture meant rebuilding from zero. For years, I carried a quiet question: could someone like me, with a different accent and lived experience, ever belong in political spaces here?
My first step back into leadership came through the Cultural Ambassador program with the City of Canning, where I represented and celebrated multicultural voices. That experience reminded me of my passion and the importance of visibility. From there, my advocacy grew until, in 2023, I took the leap to run for local government. To my great honour, the community placed their trust in me, and I was elected as a Councillor. This journey — from migrant, to community leader, to councillor — is proof that CALD voices not only belong in politics, but are essential to inclusive communities.
The Pathways to Politics program reignited the fire I first felt at the UN. It gave me the knowledge, tools, and courage to pursue politics with authenticity. Just as importantly, it gave me something I didn’t know I was missing: a community. Learning from inspiring female leaders across parties, and sharing the journey with an incredible cohort of women, reminded me that politics is not about walking alone but lifting each other up.
Standing in Parliament to deliver my speech was a moment of both vulnerability and power — a vision of what is possible when doors are opened for women from all backgrounds.
If you’ve ever doubted whether politics has space for you, know that it does. Pathways to Politics proves that our voices are powerful, our perspectives are needed, and that change begins when we dare to step forward. If not us, then who?
“This journey — from migrant, to community leader, to councillor — is proof that CALD voices not only belong in politics, but are essential to inclusive communities.“
– Cr Ivonne Rodriguez
My recommendations
Here are some of the books and talks that have helped me navigate impostor syndrome, embrace my identity, and find strength as a CALD leader:
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Michelle’s story is a reminder that authenticity and perseverance can take you to spaces you never imagined possible. For me, it’s not just a memoir; it’s a blueprint of how to remain grounded in your values while breaking barriers and lifting others as you climb.
Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons by Julia Gillard & Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
This book inspired me because it brings together stories of diverse women leaders across the globe who have had to navigate politics and systemic barriers. Reading it alongside my Pathways experience was especially powerful, as Julia Gillard’s work with this program echoes the same lessons: that leadership is not about fitting in, but about standing firm in your values and paving the way for others.
The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman
This book showed me that confidence isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you build, step by step. It gave me practical ways to silence self-doubt and reminded me that even in the most intimidating spaces, our voices are worthy of being heard.
Film: Knock Down the House (Netflix documentary)
This documentary left a lasting mark on me because it shows that politics is not reserved for the elite — it’s about ordinary women daring to do extraordinary things. Watching their determination, setbacks, and victories reminded me that courage and authenticity are enough to challenge the status quo, and that change begins the moment we decide to step forward.
Full documentary currently available to stream free on YouTube
TED Talk: The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown
Vulnerability is often seen as weakness, but this talk flipped that idea for me. It taught me that our courage grows when we show up as our full selves, imperfections and all – and that is exactly what makes our leadership real.
Vision boards & visualisation practices
This isn’t a book or a podcast, but a practice I live by. Before joining Pathways, I visualised myself in spaces of leadership. That small act of belief became the seed that opened doors – proof that sometimes, the first step toward breaking ceilings is daring to imagine yourself already there.
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