Conversations with Melissa Rodriguez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Rodriguez.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Melissa Rodriguez and I am the daughter of Mexican immigrants. My parents became citizens of the United States and worked to achieve the American Dream. My mom was a lifelong educator, working in both the K-12 school system and the collegiate school system, and eventually becoming a professor at UNC- Chapel Hill. My dad started working in agriculture at a young age, but eventually learned skills in animal husbandry. Over time, he discovered his love of science and pursued his Bachelors, Masters, and phD, eventually becoming a reproductive physiologist and working as a laboratory director for an IVF Clinic. My story will always start with them because I carry their legacy in all that I do. I am an artist, a community organizer, and a teacher in middle Georgia. I believe that our communities’ laments heal by building community from the inside out- specifically, being a good neighbor, using your skills and privileges for good, and doing all the good you can for as long as you can. Georgia has been my home for 13 years and I have had the privilege of watching our community grow and learn from each other, so I apsire to continue being a part of projects that center growth and innovation, rather than those designed to destroy or divide.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There is a tremendous loneliness that comes from being the only Latina in a room. I’ve experienced a lot of homesickness and nostalgia for inclusion and belonging. There were times I’d be talking to my mom in Spanish whilie shopping in the grocery store, and being treated like an alien from another planet. I am full-blooded Mexican with family all along the Mexico/US Border; however, I was raised in Puerto Rico. When in Latin America, my accent is too strong, too “White,” and not authentic enough. When in Georgia, I’m not White enough or I serve as the token Latina in the room. In Spanish, we call that “ni de aqui, ni de alla” or “neither from here, or from there.” I spent my adolescence deeply rejecting any situations where I’d stand out, but then I got to college and art saved me. I could act, dance, sing, and perform on stage where bringing a unique voice was always the right thing to do. It wasn’t othering, it was embracing all that I could offer from a perspective only I had. I started studying Opera and became a travelling Opera singer. I got to perform my dream roles in recitals around the world and tell so many wonderful stories. When COVID hit, my career as a professional musician ended and it was a devastating loss. I pivoted careers and went back to school for non-profit management. I became a community organizer and started uplifting others whose voices were being pushed to the margins. I work with those battling addiction, homelessness, immigration issues, hunger, and more to try to share their stories and build resources for them. We’re now entering a new era of hardship, socially and politically, but I believe that our communities are resilient. We can overcome these, and any, struggles.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love to use my voice to uplift others. I started out as a professional singer and used my art to tell stories. Now as a community organizer, I try to get involved in my community and listen to the laments of our neighbors in order for them to feel seen, heard, and cared for. In my non-profit, we address community hunger, addiction and recovery, and homelessness. We have several mutual aid initiatives including a Free Fridge, a Community Garden, a bicycle upcylcing program and a Transitional House for men in recovery. We try to tell the stories of those who have been pushed into the margins so that others can learn about the real world challenges happening right there in their community. I am most proud of my recent work serving folks held at Stewart Detention Center. Stewart is an immigration detention center where thousands of folks are held in terrible conditions, awaiting their immigration cases to be resolved or awaiting deportation. I travel to the small town of Lumpkin, Georgia twice a month to visit with folks who just need a supportive, listening ear to vent to. I can’t solve any of their problems, but folks just want to feel heard and seen. I’ll often come home and share these stories so that others can know what’s going on. These moments really connect and build community, which is my lifelong passion and goal.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Say yes! I’ve always been really cautious to say yes because of fear that I’d say yes to the wrong person or thing. However, all of the opportunities that I’ve opened myself up to have been purposeful in some way. Saying yes and always being available for new (and often scary!) opportunities has helped me connect to so many people, organizations, and beautiful new communities. By saying yes to new opportunities (especially the ones that scared me the most) I can say that I’ve run 5Ks and half marathons, acted and sang in musicals and operas around the world, received two masters degrees, served as a volunteer for dozens of impactful organizations, became a certified Yoga and Zumba teacher, taught voice and piano to singers that are now singing on major stages, travelled the world, and so much more. Say yes!

Contact Info:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-rodriguez-0b2801192/

Image Credits
DSTO Moore, Melessa Mims Photography, Jessica Whitley Photography