Melanie is a final year master’s in social work student at the University of Texas at Austin. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and child development from the University of Texas at Dallas. Melanie has experience working with youth and families in the child welfare system, children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and people living with HIV.

Melanie is LSJA’s Collective Impact intern, working alongside the Youth Leadership Council and partner organizations in the Central Texas Opportunity Youth Collaborative. She is passionate about public policy and community organizing to increase access to social services and basic needs. She is excited to be working with a collaborative that centers and uplifts youth voices.