Biography
Florida Born and raised in Puerto Rico by Puerto Ricans’ parents, Aixa has always been an advocate for Puerto Rico’s freedom from colonialism. Proud of her roots, she is an advocate for the rights for all ethnicities, especially for the Latinx community. Currently, her research about Human Trafficking has taken priority.
She is interested as well in Colonialism, homelessness, incarceration, inmates, crime and prevention, and social inequities overall. Aixa believes in equity and promotes social, gender, class, a mostly race/ethnicity equality. Since her early days, she has been involved in the community.
An anecdote that her parents recount that illustrates her commitment to community service is when a feria settled in front of her house, she would take water to the workers. Aixa was one of those kids who read aloud. She became a member of all kinds of clubs. Acted and danced in her school and her community church.
Once she grew conscious of the inequities existing, she began working with social theatre examining texts and the meaning within them, which took her to her love for sociology. Her idiosyncrasy is the tenet that moves her work.
She has an MBA in Organizational Leadership, a MA in Theatre Studies, a BA in Paralegal Studies, and a BFA in Theatre from New York University. Now she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology focusing on Social Inequalities.
“I am impressed by Ms. Mendez’s commitment to developing programs with and for marginalized communities such as incarcerated women and juvenile youth offenders. She combines her academic background with her commitment to social activism and service learning in community work … underscoring her civic responsibility and highlighting her commitment to developing community- based projects and fostering arts education.”
Julia Listengarten ~ Pegasus Professor University of Central