Photo by Israel Valencia
Melissa Rodezno was born in El Salvador, and migrated to the U.S. at the age of eight, along with her mother. They left El Salvador due to the civil war which was at its most violent. They migrated to Suisun City in Solano County, and shortly thereafter moved to Napa for a job her mother had found.
While in school, Melissa participated in nourishing programs such as Talent Search, Upward Bound, and Summer Search. It was these programs that provided opened the gates for Melissa, and through advice and assistance from Summer Search, she was able to attend Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. At Brandeis University she double majored in Politics and Anthropology. Politics had always resonated with Melissa, and a year after graduating an opportunity to work for Congressman Thompson appeared. She has been working for him since, initially as a Constituent Representative, specializing in immigration policy, and currently as a Field Representative.
She has also volunteered her time and efforts on two local city council races; Belia Ramos-Bennett American Canyon City Councilmember and Alfredo Pedroza Napa City Councilmember. Councilmember Pedroza was the first Latino to be elected in the city of Napa. In 2009 she participated in the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality Leadership Institute, a program which trains Latina professionals who are committed to making their communities a better to live for a future in politics. Also in 2009 she was approached to participate on the board of directors for the Napa Valley Community Foundation which grants $1.3 million dollars annually to local non-profits.
In the spring of 2012 she decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Political Management with George Washington University, in Washington D.C.
What this nomination means to you?
Being nominated for the First Latino Heritage Month Photo Exhibit for the exhibit of “Ellas. Latinas making a difference in the Napa Valley,” is a tremendous honor. There are many that paved the way for us to be here, and there is still a lot of work to be done. I would like to thank my mom and the countless number of women I have seen through my job, who never give up and work from sunrise to sunset in order to provide a better future for their families. My mom left the world she knew behind, this honor means her sacrifice was not in vain.
Why motivates you to be involved in our community?
Growing up in Napa as a Latina was difficult due to the lack of expectations that are placed on us. This compelled me to return to Napa after college and really get involved, specifically in politics. I wanted to be involved in the decision making process instead of feeling powerless over decisions that were being made for my community. Also, seeing an individual being empowered by the information our office provides continues to inspire me. Education, whether in a classroom or just being informed about an immigration issue, is a way to steer your own ship. I hope to continue working towards empowering our community.
Ellas. Latinas Making a Difference in the Napa Valley. 