Idida Rodriguez

Managing Partner

Idida@1868PublicAffairs.com

Idida Rodriguez is a distinguished and accomplished government affairs professional. With more than 30 years of experience working in New Jersey's political environment, Idida has played a significant role in high-profile campaigns at all levels of government. A veteran in government relations, she specializes in political affairs, business development, redevelopment, legislative matters, and public policy.

Idida serves as the Managing Partner at 1868 Public Affairs, a prominent bipartisan full-service firm specializing in government and public affairs, legislative and regulatory affairs/monitoring, stakeholders’ mobilization planning, and communication strategy. Prior to joining 1868 Public Affairs, she held a variety of notable positions, including Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman Nellie Pou, Director of School-Based Youth Programs, instructor at NJIT's Consortium for Pre-College Education, and Community Capacity Building Lead for the Puerto Rican Association for Community Organizations (P.A.C.O.) in Jersey City.

Having considerable knowledge and experience in governmental functions, Idida has served on several boards, including the Paterson Parking Authority, Passaic Valley Water Commission’s Board, NJ Hispanic, New Jersey Real Estate Commission, and St. Paul's Community Development Corporation. Currently, she serves on the New Jersey Local Finance Board and the William Paterson University Board of Trustees.

Aside from her professional accomplishments, Idida has also received recognition for her leadership in politics, her status as a woman of achievement, and her philanthropic endeavors. As one of New Jersey's most influential figures in politics and government for seven consecutive years, Insider NJ and NJ Globe have recognized her on their 100 Power Lists and Women's Power List by former State Senator Loretta Weinberg for six years. Moreover, Idida has been recognized by government officials and leading civic and social service organizations, including the United States Senate and Congress, as well as the New Jersey State Legislature, through joint resolutions.

Experienced in a wide range of political, government, and corporate fields, Idida is frequently invited to participate in panels and deliver keynote addresses, sharing valuable insights, personal experiences, and actionable strategies. She has a particular focus on providing campaign training to young women considering running for public office, which she does during the annual Ready to Run non-partisan campaign training organized by the Rutgers University Center for American Women and Politics.

Motivated to deepen her own spiritual development, service to deepen her own spiritual development, serve others, and expand her understanding of diverse faiths, Idida attended One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in New York City. In 2012, she was ordained as an interfaith minister. To support the growth of communities and the attainment of higher education, Idida established IGNITE! “Catch The Fire'', a non-profit organization providing spiritual counseling, life-enhancing practices, short-term hardship assistance, and scholarships to young Latinas pursuing higher education.

Idida attended Douglass College in New Brunswick and graduated from William Paterson University in Wayne with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Business Administration.