About Us

Intersect Public Affairs is an innovative government affairs firm based in Washington, D.C., launched in October 2024. We thrive at the crossroads where shared interests align, bringing together strategic, creative, and effective solutions that drive success for our clients and their stakeholders. At Intersect, we believe that true progress is achieved when diverse perspectives and interests converge—when government, media, business, and communities come together to forge lasting partnerships.

Our team is united by a singular vision: to help our clients navigate the complexities of today’s political and business landscapes. Whether it’s understanding the intricacies of legislative processes, influencing public policy, or forging key alliances in the corporate and community sectors, we are here to ensure our clients thrive in every aspect of their public affairs efforts.

Estuardo Rodríguez

Estuardo Rodríguez is the President and CEO of Intersect Public Affairs, where he specializes in direct lobbying across Capitol Hill, the White House, and federal agencies in key sectors such as financial services, technology, telecommunications, and media. Recognized as a "Top Lobbyist" by The Hill and the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics, Estuardo has built a robust network of business and civil rights leaders, working to advance public policies that benefit both the public and private sectors.

Throughout his distinguished political career, Estuardo has remained deeply committed to advocating for the Hispanic community. His pivotal work on two presidential campaigns helped elevate the Latino community as a powerful political and economic force. Prior to his role at Intersect, Estuardo served as an attorney at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under Secretaries Henry Cisneros and Andrew Cuomo. He also worked as an independent political analyst for the U.S. Department of State, providing insight on Latin America and Europe.

Before founding Intersect, Estuardo co-founded Raben, where he helped lead the government affairs and communications practice groups for two decades. During his tenure, the firm expanded from a small DC-based team to a national presence across five states.

A recognized political commentator, Estuardo has appeared on CNN, CNN en Español, NTN 24, Univisión, and Telemundo. His expertise extends beyond politics into philanthropy and civic engagement. He currently serves as president and CEO of Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, a campaign dedicated to establishing a Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino on the National Mall. Estuardo spearheaded the successful effort to secure congressional and White House approval for the museum, which was authorized in December 2020. Now, he is focused on ensuring the museum’s construction alongside other iconic institutions on the Mall. Estuardo is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on the Advisory Board of the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership.

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Elizabeth Rodríguez

Elizabeth Rodríguez is the Chief Operating Officer at Intersect Public Affairs, where she leads operations, optimizes processes, and drives the company’s growth and strategic direction. A proud Texan and graduate of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, Elizabeth has returned to government affairs after a fulfilling hiatus focused on raising her three children and giving back to her community. During this time, she held leadership roles in local government, the public school system, and statewide political campaigns. With her expertise in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, Elizabeth is uniquely positioned to help Intersect achieve impactful results for its clients.

Prior to joining Intersect Public Affairs, Elizabeth served as an Analyst at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she gained invaluable experience in research, policy analysis, and economic development. She then moved on to become a Senior Associate at Ibarra Strategies, providing strategic guidance on public affairs and policy initiatives to a diverse base of clients. Elizabeth also served as a Director at the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation, where she spearheaded efforts to support small Hispanic-owned businesses and advocate for economic inclusion. Each of these roles further honed her ability to create meaningful change in both the public and private sectors.

In addition to her professional work, Elizabeth is deeply committed to her community. Elizabeth serves as Co-Founder and Executive Director of Fiesta Fairfax Foundation, a nonprofit focused on uplifting the Latino community through its gastronomy, arts and culture in the City of Fairfax and the region. Elizabeth was recently elected as Finance Director for the Democratic Latino Organization of Virginia (DLOV), an organization founded with the principal mission of increasing Latino political participation across the Commonwealth.

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Diana M. Fernández

Diana M. Fernández is a Director at Intersect Public Affairs, where she leads clients in developing and executing impactful government affairs strategies. With expertise in advocacy, policy counsel, and coalition building, Diana is a dynamic and results-driven leader dedicated to translating complex challenges into actionable solutions. She excels at organizing high-profile initiatives—ranging from international delegations to influential roundtable discussions—fostering meaningful change while navigating the interests of diverse stakeholders.

Before joining Intersect, Diana served as a Senior Associate at Raben, where she managed a broad portfolio of client projects, consistently securing favorable policy outcomes. Diana worked across sectors, notably with Google, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Oxfam International, on issues including education, telecommunications, energy, environment, and workforce development. Her approach is rooted in collaboration and strategic thinking, delivering results that matter.

Diana is also deeply committed to advancing the mission of Friends of the American Latino Museum, where she serves as Director of Events & Programs. In this role, she plays a key part in the ongoing effort to establish a National Museum of the American Latino on the National Mall. Diana led the organization’s first international delegation to Spain in 2023, where she facilitated conversations with business leaders, historians, policymakers, and media to deepen global engagement around U.S. Latino identity, resulting in a panel discussion at the United Nations headquarters in collaboration with the UN Spanish Mission.

A graduate of Florida International University (FIU), Diana holds dual bachelor’s degrees in International Relations and Anthropology. During her studies, she focused on women's vulnerability to the housing crisis in Miami, a topic that underscores her commitment to social equity. As a proud Colombiana and devoted dog mom, Diana brings a unique cultural perspective and a deep sense of purpose to her work.

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Maria Karla Leon

Maria Karla Leon is an Associate at Intersect Public Affairs, where she guides clients in crafting and implementing effective government affairs strategies. Maria Karla is a dedicated public affairs professional with experience in policy, campaigns, and communications. She has worked across government, political, and advocacy spaces to develop strategies that bridge the gap between communities and decision-makers in Washington, DC. Her career is driven by a passion for public service, leadership, and advancing Hispanic representation in key sectors.

Maria Karla most recently served as a Biden-Harris Appointee in the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she supported high-level initiatives and engagements. Prior to that, she gained political experience working on a U.S. Senate campaign in Florida, where she played a critical role in voter outreach and strategic communications. She also honed her legislative expertise through internships on Capitol Hill and as a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Intern.

With a background in policy communication, strategic messaging, and stakeholder engagement, Maria Karla is committed to ensuring that the voices of everyday Americans are reflected in the policymaking process. She is particularly focused on making government more accessible to the communities it serves, leveraging her skills to foster meaningful engagement between policymakers and constituents.

A graduate of the University of Florida (UF), Maria Karla holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and minors in French and Sociology. Born in Cienfuegos, Cuba, and raised in Miami, Florida, Maria Karla is the oldest of five siblings and strives to set a strong example for her family and community. She brings a unique cultural perspective and a deep sense of purpose to Intersect. Outside of work, she is a devoted cat mom and a passionate coffee enthusiast who enjoys spending her time at the local farmer's market.