2022
Woman of Action Award
Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs
Nominated by Mayor Fulop and Council Person Denise Ridley for Melida’s leadership focused on vitalizing her community via Poetry, Art, and Activism
By Al Sullivan
PublishedApril 5, 2023 at 2:24 PM
JERSEY CITY, NJ - Jersey City recently celebrated the 2023 #WomenOfAction honorees with an award ceremony in Council Chambers.
Each March, council members select two extraordinary women leaders from every ward and one student representative to highlight their accomplishments in community leadership.
“I remember in 2012, sitting as someone receiving a women of action award, it was definitely an honor,” said Councilwoman Denise Ridley. She said the women this year are some amazing women.
Melida Rodas
Melida Rodas is a multi-media artist, curator, writer and educator. Born in Guatemala, she works as a Marketing Consultant and 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 the community, art, and literature. Her work has appeared in anthologies from publishers such as Oxford University Press, Pearson Press, and The Feminist Press. In 2013, Rodas was chosen by Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, to serve as the first inaugural poet for the municipality. In 2022 Denise Ridley nominated Melida 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 highlighted the power and talent of their Greenville neighborhood at this year's Jersey City Artists Studio Tour. 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.
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