Adriana Medina-Gomez is a recognized leader and accomplished community engagement professional based in Red Bank, New Jersey. With over 12 years of experience in community development, advocacy, and outreach, she currently serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Borough of Red Bank, where she leads communication efforts, develops innovative strategies for civic engagement, and fosters inclusivity. In this pioneering role, Adriana also organizes impactful cultural events, including Juneteenth, Pride in the Park, and the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, bringing the community together through meaningful and diverse programming.
Previously, Adriana was the inaugural Director of Community Engagement at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, where she worked to make the arts more accessible to under-resourced communities. She prioritized initiatives that centered on the needs and voices of the BIPOC communities, playing a key role in creating culturally authentic events and building meaningful partnerships that strengthened ties. Notably, Adriana was an active member of the DEI Taskforce and contributed to the development of the inaugural New Jersey Hispanic Film Festival, a significant initiative celebrating Hispanic culture, empowering regional storytellers, and promoting diversity through the arts.
Her professional journey also includes nearly six years with the American Friends Service Committee, where she provided free legal assistance to low-income families, particularly victims of domestic violence and child abuse. Adriana supported immigrant communities by leading Know Your Rights presentations and conducting training sessions to empower service providers and institutions. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she co-created the nation’s first free virtual legal clinic for DACA holders, ensuring critical support for vulnerable populations. Additionally, Adriana played a pivotal role in directly distributing hundreds of thousands of dollars in emergency funds to families in need, offering relief to those most impacted by the crisis.
Her extensive experience across private business, non-profits, and government has equipped her with a versatile skill set, emphasizing intergenerational empowerment, fostering unity, and driving collective impact. Her efforts to advance resource accessibility and language justice reflect her belief in the transformative power of grassroots community building through authentic and organic engagement.
Beyond her professional roles, Adriana is deeply dedicated to DEIA-focused initiatives, ensuring underrepresented voices are heard and elevated in decision-making processes. She serves on multiple advisory councils and strategic planning committees, where she leverages her expertise in community engagement to advance cultural initiatives, foster community building, and promote resource equity.
Outside of her professional endeavors she enjoys being a soccer mom, spending quality time with her family, and sharing laughs with friends.