Merle Soden

Merlé Elizabeth Soden, Ph.D., beloved engineer, author, community leader, motivational speaker, academic advisor, actress, playwright, film & television producer, writer and director, gained her heavenly wings on February 18, 2022 while residing in Los Angeles, California.
Merlé was born in New York on February 7, 1965 to Irving W. Smith and Barbara Soden. She was academically brilliant. She graduated from Hallahan Catholic High School two years early after being skipped two grades. Not only was she an intellect, Merlé was highly skilled and gifted in playing basketball. She received a full athletic scholarship to Syracuse University where she excelled in College Basketball. Soon after college, Merlé enlisted into the U.S. Navy for four years and was honorably discharged. Once leaving the Navy, Merlé continued her scholastic journey. Her academic career was truly impressive. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, a Master of Science Degree in Network Communications and a Doctorate Degree in Computer Science. Yes, she was quite the scholar!
Merlé was so dynamic. If multifaceted were a person, it would have been Merlé Soden. Through her friendship with Queen Latifah, Merlé began a career in the entertainment industry. She was a bodyguard for stars including Mark Wahlberg, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, DMX, Jay-Z, and Aaliyah. She then segued smoothly into a career in television at The Broadcast News Network (BNN) in New York City, she was a Music Manager for the “Queen Latifah Show”, and commenced with producing as well as hosting the Oxygen Network’s, talk show, “She-Commerce”.
Merlé continued to blossom into an influential and creatively talented visionary. Her deep thought provoking conversations, gained her the nickname, ‘Conscious’. Conscious was a very fitting name for Merlé’s revolutionary mind. She penned a self-published autobiography, titled, "Getting Unstuck", an inspirational story that served as a testament to individual strength and the sheer will to succeed despite adversity. Hollywood producers showed interest in her life story, however, she didn’t feel that they knew how to accurately produce her story. As a result, Merlé decided to take her talents to Hollywood, California. With an investment from Troy Carter, based on her book, Merlé produced a one-woman show, "Getting Unstuck: Homeless to Hollywood", starring herself. On a Hollywood stage, Merlé delivered the riveting, tumultuous story of her life to a live audience who were enamored with her showmanship. Never ceasing and in true Merlé fashion, with the help of Executive Producer, Tina Williams, Merlé finalized her script, produced, directed and starred in her cinematic debut of "Getting Unstuck". Her extraordinary, true story of tragedy, triumph and a cathartic message full of passion made for the big screen.
Simultaneously, as she worked on her life’s mission of healing the emotionally wounded, which catapulted her career in becoming a popular national motivational speaker, Merlé worked for Kevin Hart’s, HartBeat Productions. While working for the Hart family, due to her intellectual skills, Merlé became an academic advisor to Kevin and Torrei Hart’s children. As they began to excel in school, Merlé’s tutoring abilities were highly sought-after and she gained the reputation of being the Hollywood Tutor who helped many celebrity children transcend in academics.
Jack of all trades master of none ALL. Merlé was truly one of God's gifts. To be in her presence was a true present. To meet Merlé was an honorable and electrifying experience. Thank you Merlé, for reminding us, that “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready” and to keep it “grown 'n sexy. And smooth”. She was so funny! During moments of sadness, struggle or worry, Merlé would manage to muster up a joke that would not only, change your mood with laughter, but bring you joy in future moments. She had the ability to speak to the inner you. To speak to the depths of your soul. Her words were transformational. She motivated those who were lost and empowered children who lacked confidence. Merlé had the ability to unlock one's greatness. She had a heart of gold. A heart of a lion. She was a resilient soldier. A fighter with great passion and compassion. Merlé was a generous giver. Not just monetarily, but Merlé blessed so many people, with her enriching words and impactful stories. She was God's helper. The incomparable and unmatched, Merlé ‘Conscious’ Soden will be truly missed but forever in our hearts. Thank God your spirit lives on through your legacy. May you rest, for you have ran your race!
Merlé leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memories: her mother, Barbara Soden; partner, Tina Williams; Uncle Alfred Hazel, Three siblings: Roy Soden, Lynn Soden-Winston and Waki Lewis as well as best friend turned Sister, Jackie Farnan and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.