Sister Carmela Marie Cristiano, S.C. (August 15, 1927 – August 1, 2011) 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.[1] In 1975, Sister Carmela became the first Sister to run for political office in New Jersey.[1] She also founded two nonprofit corporations during her career.[2]