The position of Poet Laureate for the City of Jersey City was established by resolution of the Jersey City Municipal Council in 2018. The Poet Laureate acts as an advocate for poetry, embodying the creative essence of Jersey City and promoting a greater public interest in the literary arts.
Born in Guatemala, Rodas has a long history of collaborating with local libraries and organizations on creative projects that uplift, celebrate and inspire the community. She has received numerous awards and accolades including the Jersey City Woman of Action Award in 2023.
Additionally, Rodas has held teaching positions at All Saints Catholic Academy and Saint Peter’s University – 21st Century Program. At Infinite Therapy Solutions, located in Bayonne, NJ, she currently occupies various positions including Education and Community Engagement Coordinator, where she leads community initiatives dedicated to supporting neurodivergent children.
Rodas has fulfilled the role of Dodge Poetry Festival School Coordinator and has been involved in educational initiatives, including the Poetry and Journalism Project with Marist High School and The Literature of Immigration Project with SaveEllisIsland.org. This NJCU 13’ graduate, has served as a poetry group leader as founder of Destination Art Space and The New York City Poetry Festival as a member of The Poetry Society of New York.
Melida’s work has received extensive publication, featuring in esteemed outlets such as Transformations – The Journal of Inclusive Scholarship and Pedagogy, The Sun Magazine, and more. Additionally, her writings have been published by Oxford University Press, Pearson Press, and The Feminist Press, where she stands alongside literary luminaries and lyricists like Walt Whitman, Langston Hughes, Bruce Springsteen, Jamaica Kincaid, and other notable figures in literature. Mostly recently, Melida co-created the Jersey City Poetry Festival set to take place in 2025.
“We are proud to honor Melida Rodas as Jersey City’s new Poet Laureate, a testament to our commitment to celebrating the arts and fostering creative expression within our community. Through her work, Melida will inspire, unite, and amplify the voices that make our city so vibrant and diverse,” said Mayor Fulop. Rodas has a long history of collaborating with local organizations on creative projects that celebrate the community. She also co-founded Greenville Arts Crossroads, a grassroots poetry and arts organization that connects, uplifts, and inspires creative talent in Hudson County.
In 2023, her impactful work earned her a Jersey City Woman of Action Award. “The Jersey City Arts Council is thrilled to present Melida Rodas as the next poet laureate. We are confident that Melida will use this position to continue and expand her dedication to innovative projects that promote the art of poetry in the Jersey City community and beyond,” adds Jersey City Arts Council Board member Jeff Dessources.
The Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for poetry, representing the artistic spirit of Jersey City while fostering public appreciation for the literary arts. This role involves a variety of responsibilities including: poetry readings, workshops, special events, and collaborations with local organizations to inspire and engage residents through the power of poetry.
The Jersey City Arts Council evaluates nominations for Poet Laureate, including creative excellence and community impact. The Jersey City Arts Council sends finalists’ names and supporting recommendations to the Mayor of Jersey City, who appoints the Poet Laureate with the advice and consent of City Council. The term of service is two years.
Please click below for additional information.
Please click below for additional information.
