Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies

Melissa Carden served as the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence. A Pawtucket native and graduate of Villanova University, Melissa is a highly skilled communications strategist with extensive expertise in policy, communications, and relationship building. She served as the Co-Legislative Lead for Moms Demand Action Rhode Island and the Legislative Lead and Communications Lead for Moms Demand Action Pennsylvania. Prior to becoming RICAGV’s Executive Director, she was the Chief Public Affairs Officer for the State of Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. She just took on a new role as Executive Director of Roger Williams Park Conservancy.