2nd District – Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers

2nd District Council Member

Councilwoman Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, a lifelong resident of South Bend, proudly represents the 2nd District. Her deep-rooted commitment to the community is evident through her longstanding service and leadership. Married to Johnnie Rodgers, Ophelia is a devoted mother to Arnez Lee and Ebony Ewing, and a proud grandmother to six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Gooden-Rodgers is committed to serving the South Bend community. She was raised on the West side of South Bend and went on to raise her own children and grandchildren on the very same side of town. Because of her roots in the West side, she is dedicated to seeing the revitalization and flourishment of the 2nd District. Councilwoman Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers attended Linden Grade School, Central Junior High, and is a proud graduate of the former Lasalle High School. Post-graduation, Gooden-Rodgers worked as a forklift driver at AM General Corporation for forty-one years. After retirement in January of 2015, she decided to go back to work for the South Bend Community School Corporation in August of 2017.

As an active member of Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers serves as a Senior Usher and the Chairwoman of the Sunday Breakfast Committee.

Councilwoman Gooden-Rodgers’ strong ties to the South Bend community has motivated her to fulfill a lifetime of servant leadership in many capacities. She stands ready to continue her life of service as the 2nd District Councilwoman, and believes in diversity, fully committing herself to serving ALL people.

Representing

Representing all of the residents in: 130201, 130202, 130203, 130204, 130205, 130206, 130207, 130208, 130209, 130210, 130211