Carmela Marie Cristiano

Who is Carmela Marie Cristiano?

Sister Carmela Marie Cristiano, S.C. was an American Catholic Religious Sister of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, who served the community as a teacher, social worker and activist. She received public attention for her high-profile battle with then-Jersey City Mayor Thomas J. Whelan over poor conditions and corruption at the city's orphan ward. In 1975, Sister Carmela became the first Sister to run for political office in New Jersey. She also founded two nonprofit corporations during her career.