Emely Medina-Rodríguez

2026

Take This With You

Take This With You Vol. 3 | Social Justice Origin Stories

This is Volume 3 of “Take This With You“, a special series from Social Justice Origin Stories. Storytelling is a gift, and in this series, storytellers reflect on what they hope stays with you after their episode ends. As you listen to their sharing, consider this moment as an invitation to reflect on your own journey. Visit the Weaving Our Voices section for more entries in this series, as well as other special series that bring the voices and collective wisdom of storytellers together.

February 4, 2026

2025

In Community: The Voices of Social Justice Origin Stories / Project Updates

In Community Vol. 1: The Voices of Social Justice Origin Stories | 2024 + 2025

 No one gets to where they are by themselves, and this project would not exist without the collective wisdom of the storytellers who’ve shared their stories with us.

This is Volume 1 of “In Community”, a special series from Social Justice Origin Stories. This annual series brings together the voices of storytellers whose stories were published in a given year.

Many thanks to the storytellers who have contributed to this project and have trusted me and this space with their sharing.

December 23, 2025
The Justice We Imagine

The Justice We Imagine Vol. 3 | Social Justice Origin Stories

This is Volume 3 of “The Justice We Imagine”, a special series from Social Justice Origin Stories. This series focuses on storytellers’ responses to three essential questions:  

When is true social justice possible?

What shapes our approach to the work?

Why does understanding and sharing our social justice origin stories matter?

As you listen to their responses, reflect on what your answers might be.

November 26, 2025
Personal Journeys

Follow Your Innate Sense of Justice with Emely Medina-Rodríguez

Dr. Emely Medina-Rodríguez, a social researcher and program evaluator committed to equity and culturally responsive practices, shares the story of her journey from Puerto Rico to Chicago and the events that inform her practice and activism as a researcher. Her storytelling teaches listeners about the need to challenge extractive traditional research practices that don’t prioritize the needs of communities, and to have a power analysis be “part of the equation” in research and evaluation.  

April 16, 2025