Rowena Ori (Formerly Rowena Aquino) (She/Her)
Founder of WatersEdge 360 Friendship Society
Member of NJPAC Advisory Committee
Member of Liberty State Park Associations
Like most people today, it is likely you googled my name and want to know more about me. Before I go into the details of my community service which started as a child in a farming community to now committing to building a respectful inclusive allies and LGBTQ+ alliance into a stronger more resilient, self-sufficient and financially expansive community, let me take a minute to tell you my backstory.
Backstory Bulletpoint
- I came from a blue-collar Caribbean family.
- Attended St. Pius Catholic High School in the Bronx, where I earned recognition as:
- National Honor Society Scholar
- Merit Scholar
- Citation of Honors and Achievement Awards including recognition from
St. John’s University for Excellence in Chemistry. - Awarded Citation of Honor for Outstanding Leadership and Community Service
Bronx Borough President and the Bronx Museum of Arts.
- My passion for a more compassionate society stemmed from working as a volunteer in nursing homes as my community and humanitarian service.
- Earned a B.A. from City College of New York
- A Pending Master in Architecture Boston Architectural University.
As a young adult, I had to stand in my power as a LGBTQ+ individual which taught me the power of perseverance and authenticity. Through that experience I met many young adults like myself at the time, discarded by their families – Many fell through the crack during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. I now endeavor to ensure there is a collective safety net for those abandoned and without support.
I opened my design studio, which grew until the advent of COVID. I have since retired, albeit accelerated due to the disastrous affect of COVID – a catalyst for the world to pause and reflect on one’s purpose – six years later, I am dedicated to creating a collective willing to share and impart their experiences to developing a stronger more financially secure community.
LGBTQ+ Advocacy
- In the early 90’s I joined the Hetrick-Martin Institute located on W4th Street. Volunteered for programs and community work as needed. Friends with Ivan Valdez at the time who did “Tales of the Closet” comics. TOC was impactful at the time when we had no LGBTQ+ superhero or comics. Later celebrated North Star coming out making history for young adults looking for societal support in the genre.
- My partner and I fought for Marriage Equality in New Jersey in 2011- 2013, joining with Ama Birch and several clergy from different discipline including Rabbi Joel Mosbacher’s synagogue in Mahwah, NJ.
- Marched in yearly Pride, New York, Asbury Park, Montclair, Jersey City
- Raised donations for Garden State Equality under my Business and as an Individual.
- Attended and support programs and events by several LGBTQ+ Organizations including: Out Montclair, Garden State Equality
Community Service
- Member of the Friend of Liberty State Park
- Volunteered as secretary for the Philippine American Community of Bergen County (PACBC) for almost a decade fundraising for disaster relief, scholarships, medical-missions.
- At the PACBC we provided and served food for the homeless at HABC, Hackensach, NJ.
- Member of Pershing Field Park – Garden Friends
Sponsorship and Fundraising Events
- Martial Arts Tournaments with Donations to Union Township.
- Jersey City Street Fair Events
- Le Fiddler (Jose Gonzalez) Recital Co-Sponsor with Melida Rodas, Jersey City Poet Laureate
Link to Jose’s Event
Join me in supporting an inclusive Organizations with sponsorship and donations, including support for WE360 programs.