Idida Rodriguez

Managing Partner

Idida@1868publicaffairs.com

With over 30 years of experience, Idida Rodriguez is widely recognized for her strategic insight and visionary leadership, which have consistently driven success in government affairs, political campaigns, and business development. Her impressive track record includes leading winning campaigns across all levels of government, significantly shaping New Jersey’s political landscape and solidifying her influence as a respected leader in the field.

Before joining 1868 Public Affairs, Idida held several notable roles, 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.

As an expert in government functions, Idida has served on a number of boards and commissions, including the Paterson Parking Authority, Passaic Valley Water Commission's Board, New Jersey Real Estate Commission, and St. Paul's Community Development Corporation. Her current appointments include the New Jersey Local Finance Board and the William Paterson University Board of Trustees.

Numerous accolades have been bestowed upon Idida for her professional achievements and leadership in politics. She has appeared on Insider NJ and NJ Globe’s “100 Power Lists” and the Women’s Power List by former State Senator Loretta Weinberg for seven consecutive years. Her contributions have been recognized by the U.S. Senate and Congress, the New Jersey State Legislature, and leading civic organizations through joint resolutions and awards.

A frequent panelist and keynote speaker, Idida shares her insights on government, politics, and business. She also mentors young women considering public office, contributing to initiatives like Ready to Run, a national, non-partisan campaign training program by Rutgers University’s Center for American Women and Politics.

In 2012, she was ordained as an interfaith minister by One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in New York City, where she deepened her spirituality and served others. She later founded IGNITE! “Catch The Fire,” a nonprofit that provides spiritual counseling, life-enhancing practices, hardship assistance, and scholarships for young Latinas pursuing higher education.

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