Meet Rori Coleman-Woods

Richfield DFL Endorsed

Rori Coleman-Woods faced significant challenges as a biracial person born in 1979 in Richfield, Minnesota, to Janet Coleman and Alan Brown. She fondly reflects that her childhood was a blend of the best of both worlds despite the trauma and therapy she endured. Her early years were marked by resilience, a quality instilled in her during a period of foster care and later when she was reunited with her mother for a fresh start at the beginning of Breck High School.

Rori's educational journey continued at Valparaiso University and the University of Minnesota, where she earned a degree in Communications, Psychology, and Spanish in 2003, which included a transformative study abroad experience in Toledo, Spain. Rori and her husband, Undrea Woods, are celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary this year. She and her family have resided since 1999 in her childhood home, a place filled with memories of community events such as the Richfield 4th of July Celebration and Assumption Church Funfest.

Professionally, Rori and her husband have nurtured GrandMelody Music, a home studio producing Gospel, R&B, and Hip Hop since 2001. In 2012, she earned a Master's in Business Administration focusing on Human Resource Management. Currently, Rori is enriching her career in her roles as an HR & Administrative Assistant, while her husband works as a Semi- Tractor Trailer Driver.

Dedicated to family and community, Rori and Undrea are proud parents to three sons, Dominic, Merrick, and Mason. She is actively involved in their academic and athletic achievements. They are also grandparents to two beautiful grandchildren, Aveya & Surea. 

Rori enthusiastically supports youth sports, having dedicated time to coaching K-8 Basketball in the past and currently contributing to the efforts of the Richfield Basketball Boosters and the Richfield Dugout Club. In addition to this, Rori is actively engaged in community service, serving on the Richfield Friendship City Commission since 2013 and participating in the Richfield Leadership Network, while recently becoming a member of the Richfield High School Quarterback Club. She has been an active member of First Trinity Church of God in Christ for 18 years.

Inspired by local leaders like former Mayor Don Priebe and Representative Mike Howard, Rori has been motivated to contribute further, participating in campaigns for leaders like Hennepin County Commissioner Debbie Goettel and Representative Mike Howard. Her commitment to community empowerment reflects her belief in leadership that champions inclusivity and progress for all.

Rori states, "I am deeply proud of the network of people who are supporting and passionate about my efforts to run for City Council, representing Ward 3. Your support is invaluable to me, and I assure you I will hold this position in high regard and it will not be taken lightly.  By no means am I a career politician, but I am someone who has a giant heart for the city we call home and who has embraced all of the amazing things about ourselves. "