L’Oréal Paris announces the 10 Women Of Worth honorees for 2025. The honorees include Mind&Melody President and Co-Founder Cristina Rodriguez, seated, third from left, Yasmine Arrington Brooks, Mizpah Brown-Rich, Keely Cat-Wells, Amy Bowers Cordalis, Sloane Davidson, Lynne B Hughes, Dr. Anita Ravi, Gloria Umanah and Olivia Zhang. They are joined here by L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth spokeswomen Aja Naomi King, far left, Eva Longoria, seated, third from right, and Helen Mirren, far right. Courtesy photo
Mind&Melody President and Co-Founder Cristina Rodriguez of Los Alamos is named one of the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth for 2025. Courtesy photo
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Ever since its inception, the nonprofit Mind&Melody has been steadily growing not just in New Mexico but also throughout the country.
Recently, the organization and its President and Co-Founder Cristina Rodriguez received some news that could significantly boost Mind&Melody’s trajectory: Rodriguez is one of L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth for 2025.
Rodriguez explained that every year L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth recognizes 10 women across the country who are making a real difference in their communities by tackling issues that are impacting society. On June 17, which is coincidentally Rodriguez’s birthday, she learned her name was among this year’s winners. An award ceremony will be held in December in Los Angeles.
“I was honored … for founding Mind&Melody, which is a nonprofit using music to engage and empower people of all ages, especially those with Alzheimer’s and dementia … every time we see people light up and come alive again,” she said.
Rodriguez further explained that “Honorees are chosen for the needs they address … it’s about women who meet their community’s needs in real ways … it’s about reminding others that they can make a difference.”
Rodriguez said she is proud to be among this year’s recipients.
“I am incredibly honored; I still can’t believe this is real. There were over 4,000 nominations. I was one of 10 women (to receive this recognition). I’ve spent over a decade pouring my heart into this work. This honor is for our amazing team … especially when it comes to what we do to shine a light on people who are overlooked. Every person has worth no matter their age or condition.”
Besides the recognition, Rodriguez said Mind&Melody received a $25,000 grant, which will help provide more music sessions, training for staff and help more people of all ages and abilities experience the connection of music.
Plus, having recognition from a global brand will help Mind&Melody reach more into communities, build bridges and ensure generations of people feel connected, seen and alive, she said.
Rodriguez helped start the nonprofit in 2014 in Miami. In 2021, Rodriguez moved with her husband, who is a scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, to Los Alamos, and brought Mind&Melody with her. It now serves 2,000 people annually across the U.S. It has also partnered with organizations in Los Alamos, Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
“It’s been a success because of our incredible musicians and behind-the-scenes team … and also to our community founders and donors,” Rodriguez said.
She also gave credit to Los Alamos Community Foundation and Enterprise Bank & Trust. In 2022, the foundation awarded Mind&Melody a $5,000 grant to establish a music program at BeeHive Homes in White Rock. Additionally, that same year Enterprise Bank & Trust provided a $2,500 grant and continues to support a second music program at Los Alamos Wellness and Rehabilitation Center.
Mind&Melody provides interactive music sessions that can include playing instruments or listening to music to those with special needs. The clientele ranges from anyone as young as age 4 to those in their 90s.
Mind&Melody “restores dignity and connection through music,” Rodriguez said, adding that it strengthens empathy.
She explained that the organization’s music enrichment specialists are trained in a proven methodology to communicate with all levels of functionality. If someone is non-verbal, then the team works on how to bring out their strengths. Interactive experiences utilize music that is personalized for participants.
Rodriguez added that Mind&Melody plays music from participants’ youth as well as offering dancing and movement activities. Sometimes unusual instruments such as a thunder drum will be brought out, too, for people to play.
“Music is a universal language … it automatically connects us. It is not a coincidence that music has the capacity to tap into multiple areas of our brains all at once,” she said.
Los Alamos Wellness and Rehabilitation Center staff commended the Mind&Melody team’s work.
“I see residents who may not have loved ones visit … they are cheering and clapping, they are singing along,” Los Alamos Wellness and Rehabilitation Center Administrator Canisha Hill said. “(Mind&Melody) make a great impact for the enrichment of our residents here and we thank them for the services they do.”
Activities Director Josh Bloom added, “Our residents enjoy seeing them every week. It is something they look forward to.”
Rodriguez can personally attest to the power of music. She said at age 10, she started to learn to play the cello. Practicing for hours would bring her a feeling of comfort.
She added that music is also like a treasure box of memories. It can change a person’s day.
“I think music is super magical,” Rodriguez said. “When you are working with people who can’t express themselves in conventional ways, music can help connect people beyond words.”
To learn more about Mind&Melody, visit https://mindandmelody.org. To learn how to get involved in the organization, email Info@mindandmelody.org.
An interview Rodriguez had with actress and L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth spokeswoman Eva Longoria can be viewed here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP10VHbCkNT/?igsh=N3Zpb240a2oyNDBt
Mind&Melody President and Co-Founder Cristina Rodriguez works with program participants in Miami. Courtesy photo