Melida Rodas

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Poet Laureate of Jersey City            2025-2026

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Poet I Multidisciplinary  Artist I Educator I  Curator I Writer 

• ​Jersey City City Poetry Festival  -  Founder 

• Infinite Therapy Solutions - Education & Community Engagement Coordinator

• Dodge Poetry Festival - School Coordinator 2018

• ​The New York Poetry Festival - Poetry Group Coordinator 2024

• Jersey City Arts & Culture Trust Fund Committee - Ward A 

• Academy of American Poets - Member 

• Poetry Society of New York - Member 

• Monmouth Arts Council - Member ​

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I work and play here:  

Jersey City I Central America I Asbury Park I New York 

In 2024 Rodas was bestowed the title Poet Laureate for the City of Jersey City, by the Jersey City Arts Council and the municipality.  She will serve a two year term, 2025-2026, as an ambassador for poetry and advocate for the literary arts.

Born in Guatemala, Melida works as a technical writer, consultant and marketing strategist. She is a fierce advocate for equality & social justice, especially with regard to affordable housing, education and the arts. Melida has been recognized by The State of New Jersey, The County of Hudson, The City of Jersey City for her work involving literature, community and art. Her work has appeared in anthologies from publishers such as Oxford University Press, Pearson Press, and The Feminist Press where it appears along side literary giants and lyricists such as Walt Whitman, Langston Hughes, Bruce Springsteen, Jamaica Kincaid. In 2013, Rodas was chosen by Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, to serve as the first inaugural poet for the municipality. On July 1, 2013, she delivered her poem, “There in a City, OUR, Jersey City ” before an audience of 2,000 people. As guest speaker she has presented her works at numerous universities and conferences. Her visual art has been showcased in various galleries & museums. Most recently her work was published in the highly revered "Sun Magazine." Her essay, "Art as a Spiritual Experience” was featured in the Pedagogical Journal, "Transformations."

In 2022, Rodas was nominated by the municipality to serve as Ward A representative for The Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund Committee, which focuses on diversity, equity and inclusionary practices in art and culture planning. As committee representative for Ward A, Melida co-founded the group “Greenville Arts Crossroads,” a group of passionate artists and activists who highlight the power and talent of their Greenville neighborhood. Independently, Rodas volunteers as Social Media and Public Relations Director for the group and works on recruiting organizations and individuals who via the arts are committed to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion, equity and justice. As an educator, Melida works tirelessly in creating a network of artists and activists who believe in sharing resources and ideas which benefit children, individuals  &  neighborhoods lacking privilege, exposure and space. Currently she occupies serval roles at Infinite Therapy Solutions, including Education & Community Engagement Coordinator,  designer and technical writer. ITS services neurodivergent. children.

Her wish is to create the groundwork for healthier and happier communities via art, music and poetry for generations to come.

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Fine Arts and Education

New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ

Photography, Sculpture, Multimedia Projects,

Teachers Certification Grades K-12

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NJCU Memoir / Writing

Under the Direction of Edvige Giunta

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Master Poets Program

Under the Direction of Marie Ponsot 

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Poet House, New York, NY

Poetry, Literature