Celebrating Jenny Mercado’s Leadership and Community Impact!

We have some exciting news to celebrate! WRWC’s very own Jenny Mercado has been recognized for her outstanding community leadership, advocacy, and commitment to making Rhode Island a better place for everyone.

Jenny, who serves as WRWC’s Nuevas Voces (New Voices) Co-Facilitator and Olneyville Resilience Hub Coordinator, has recently received several well-deserved honors and opportunities recognizing her dedication to community empowerment.

“I was surprised and truly humbled by these recognitions. Sometimes I’m so busy doing the work, always going, going, going, that I don’t stop to reflect on how far I’ve come. Nuevas Voces opened so many doors for me. From Leadership Rhode Island to helping open the Olneyville Resilience Hub and serving on the School Board, each opportunity has helped me grow as a leader. I’m so grateful for the leadership programs and people who have supported me along the way.” Said Jenny.

One of Rhode Island’s 25 Most Influential Women!

On August 29, Hispanic Image Magazine officially named Jenny among its 2026 25 Most Influential Women of Rhode Island! This recognition celebrates women making a meaningful difference through their leadership, professional accomplishments, and contributions to their communities.

Jenny was also recently honored by the Elevate Association for her ongoing community leadership and advocacy.

And the good news doesn’t stop there!

Jenny was selected to join the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island’s Women’s Policy Institute 2026 cohort, an opportunity to further develop her skills in public policy, advocacy, and leadership while connecting with other women working to create positive change across Rhode Island.

“Through the Women’s Policy Institute, we’re focusing our efforts on expanding voting rights and making sure everyone can access the ballot without discrimination. I’m excited to continue learning and advocating for our communities.”

Building Stronger Communities Through WRWC

At WRWC, we get to see Jenny’s passion for community leadership firsthand.

As a Co-Facilitator of Nuevas Voces, Jenny helps residents develop the knowledge, confidence, and connections to become advocates and leaders in their own neighborhoods. Through workshops, hands-on learning, and community conversations, the program helps participants explore environmental justice, climate resilience, and the issues affecting their communities.

As Olneyville Resilience Hub Coordinator, Jenny also helps strengthen neighborhood connections and support community-led efforts to build a healthier, safer, and more resilient Olneyville.

Congratulations, Jenny!

We’re incredibly proud of Jenny and everything she continues to accomplish, both within WRWC and throughout Rhode Island.

Her dedication to helping neighbors find their voices, build connections, and shape the future of their communities is at the heart of what we strive to do at WRWC.

Please join us in congratulating Jenny on these wonderful achievements! We can’t wait to see what she does next.