Carmen S. Mercado was born and raised in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Carmen’s parents were very young when she was born, and her parents were unable to care for her, so they gave her away to her maternal grandmother who raised her. Carmen was raised by her maternal grandmother and her paternal family. Carmen had a rough upbringing, especially with her mother always coming in and out other life. She sat through her father’s murder trial at the age of 6.
Carmen is not defined by her past. She believes that her past made her who she is today – a strong, independent woman, looking to help others who are living in the same or similar circumstances that she was raised with. Carmen wants to be the person she wishes she had growing up when she felt like she had the whole world on her shoulders and no-one to help her get through the walk of life.
Carmen Mercado is married and has three children, and currently resides in the township of Woodbridge, NJ. Carmen is a Criminal Justice major with an Associate’s degree. She is continuing her education to complete her Bachelor’s degree. Her passion is working with the Youth, Young Adults, and Re-entry population.