About

Rhenotha Ophelia Whitaker is a dynamic community leader, multifaceted entertainer, and passionate advocate for equity, creativity, and wellness. Born in Newark, NJ, and rooted in the legacy of her family’s hometown of Scotland Neck, North Carolina, Rhenotha brings together heritage, heart, and hustle in everything she does.

A proud graduate of Drew University (B.A. in Economics) and Rutgers University (M.P.A.), Rhenotha is the Deputy Director of Programming at Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA), a South Ward anchor institution she co-founded alongside Executive Director Khaatim Sherrer El. In this role, she has led transformative initiatives impacting over 5,000 residents—empowering them to become agents of change in their own neighborhood.

Her visionary leadership includes:

  • Developing the Upper Clinton Hill Neighborhood Plan, which was officially adopted by the State of New Jersey.

  • Launching the ArtsXChange, a groundbreaking partnership with NJPAC that brings high-quality, culturally rich programming directly into the Clinton Hill community—engaging over 1,500 residents annually.

  • Establishing the first neighborhood farmers market in Clinton Hill, promoting food access and local economic activity.

  • Opening a member-based neighborhood grocery store as part of CHCA’s food and economic justice strategy.

  • Directing the United Parks As One Summer Environmental Enrichment Program, focused on youth engagement and green space revitalization.

  • Leading efforts that resulted in over 100 abandoned properties being boarded, secured, and beautified across the community.

Rhenotha’s passion for storytelling and the arts is equally remarkable. A SAG-AFTRA and Equity actress, she has performed at Carnegie Hall, NJPAC, and Newark Symphony Hall, and shared stages with icons like Jennifer Hudson and Patti LaBelle. She discovered her voice at just eight years old singing Whitney Houston’s "The Greatest Love of All," and has since been a powerful presence in the world of entertainment.

Formerly a contributor on The Dr. Oz Show, Rhenotha is also the Owner and Lead Writer of Full Figured Fabulous and On The Way To Fit, a lifestyle publication that empowers readers to embrace wellness, self-love, and purpose.

Whether in city halls or on national stages, Rhenotha carries a deep faith in her calling and credits her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for every opportunity and blessing along the way. With grace, grit, and gratitude, she continues to uplift, create, and serve—bringing light, joy, and transformative change wherever her journey leads.