One of the reasons I created the F.I.E.R.C.E Woman website was to highlight and feature women who have decided to take their lives into their own hands and create the life they’ve always dreamed of. We are all just one choice away from changing the direction of our lives.

The F.I.E.R.C.E Woman of the week is following her dreams, supporting other women in achieving theirs, and inspiring us all to discover the power within ourselves and live the lives we were meant to live. This week’s F.I.E.R.C.E Woman is Maria Rodriguez, a Puerto Rican Writer and Performance Artist born and raised in East New York Brooklyn.

Mother of four, she discovered her penchant for self-expression during her adolescent years, while writing songs to a freestyle beat. Maria has been published in the New York Daily News, Sofrito for Your Soul and “Me No Habla with Acento” an Anthology of Contemporary Latino Poetry. She is an original cast member, Co-Writer and Co-Producer of “Soledad Speaks”. An intergenerational tale performed through monologue and spoken word and produced by Odd Girl in Entertainment that has enjoyed sold out shows to almost every performance. The most recent sold out show took place last Friday, March 28th when the cast performed at the  BAAD! ASS Women Festival at the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance.

In additon to being a writer, Maria is a curator who has curated shows for El Museo del Barrio and the legendary Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe.  She is a workshop facilitator and has facilitated workshops for both women and youth. Most recently Maria published her first book and collection of poetry, Brooklyn’s Daughter.

Brooklyn’s Daughter is all grit and grace. In her first collection of poems, Maria captures the essence of her beloved borough, city, and people through vivid imagery and poignant delivery. Infusing raw humor, wit, and splanglish idioms, she waxes poetic about assimilation, gentrification, culture, pride, lessons and life. The ride is gripping. This book is a definite must have and I encourage you all to purchase it if you haven’t already.

Next up for Maria is is a featured reading at Word @4F on May 1st and a book signing/reading at NYC’s trendiest nail bar, Nail Lounge, on May 4th. She will also be giving a private performance for Wyckoff Hospital’s AIDS benefit on April 16th, but that event is closed to the public. To find out more about this modern day renaissance woman visit her site at http://www.mescribidora.wordpress.com. While you’re there don’t forget to buy her book.

 

Check out the trailer for Brooklyn’s Daughter:

I am F.I.E.R.C.E because I use my art to raise awareness, inspire, and empower my community. I am a modern day renaissance woman. – Maria Rodriguez