Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI), a provider of postsecondary education services focused on providing higher access to higher education, announced the success of one of its own today. Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of public relations, was named one of 30 Women Who Mean Business in San Diego at the 2010 “Women Who Mean Business” (WWMB) awards, held Oct. 28 at San Diego’s Town and Country Resort and Convention Center.

Among the San Diego business community’s most prestigious honors, the WWMB awards pay tribute to women in the San Diego region who have made noteworthy contributions within their respective industries, and whose work defines the meaning of leader and role model. Almost 140 of San Diego’s business leaders were nominated and congratulated for being among the best businesswomen in San Diego, doing the best business.

“What an honor,” Rodriguez said moments after being publicly recognized. “Just to be in the running for a Women Who Mean Business award with so many other successful members of San Diego’s business community is reward enough. But to actually win the award was tremendous. It’s a compliment to both me and to Bridgepoint Education.”

The annual event was hosted by the San Diego Business Journal and sponsored by Union Bank. San Diego County District Attorney, Bonnie Dumanis served as the event’s keynote speaker, where honorary awards were also presented. Laura Farmer Sherman, of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, received the “Courage” award; Mary Walshok, from UC San Diego Extension, was presented with the “Community Leadership” award; Shelly Zimmerman of the San Diego Police Department was given the “Exemplary” award, and Philanthropist Darlene Shiley received the “Lifetime Achievement” award.

Rodriguez’s work as Bridgepoint Education’s associate vice president of public relations caps a 20-year career in media and public relations. Hired by Bridgepoint Education in May 2008, Rodriguez has grown the company’s public relations department from the ground up, rising from director to associate vice president in the process. In addition to heading up Bridgepoint Education’s Public Relations department, Rodriguez also oversees all Public Relations activities at Ashford University and University of the Rockies. 

About Bridgepoint Education
Bridgepoint Education’s postsecondary education services focus on offering associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in such disciplines as business, education, psychology, social sciences and health sciences. Bridgepoint Education’s regionally accredited academic institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – deliver their programs online as well as at traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.