Melissa Canela, Program Associate

Melissa is a first generation Latina college student who was born and raised in East San Jose. She graduated with her BA in Sociology with an emphasis in education from the University of San Francisco and is currently pursuing her Masters degree at San Jose State University. Melissa has worked with East San Jose families for the past four years. She is passionate about serving the community and supporting student-family empowerment through various educational services and programs. As Programs Associate, she oversees and organizes various programs within San Jose schools such as Girls Who Code, Springboard Collaborative, Elevate Math, and Quetzal Mama. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys watching SF Giants baseball alongside her family.