The Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund is pleased to announce the appointment of our new FUTURO Coordinator, Ms. Melanie Lopez-Gonzalez. Ms. Lopez-Gonzalez, an alumna of the FUTURO program, received her Bachelors of Arts in International and Global Studies from Pennsylvania State University. In addition to her participation in the FUTURO program, Ms. Lopez-Gonzalez brings extensive experience as a former volunteer with LALDEF and an internship with PSEG.

LALDEF’s FUTURO youth mentoring program is an inclusive, diverse model for low-income immigrant high school students. Launched in 2010, this initiative addresses the low rates of first-generation Americans graduating high school, enrolling in higher education, and graduating college. The program provides students with academic support, SAT/ACT preparation, guidance on college and scholarship applications, mentoring, social support, and community service opportunities. As FUTURO Coordinator, Ms. Lopez-Gonzalez will oversee the program, provide direct support to students and their families, and assist and inspire students in their pursuit of higher education.

“We are thrilled to welcome Melanie to our team”, says LALDEF Executive Director, Cecy Jimenez-Weeast. “As a graduate of the program herself, Melanie understands the importance and impact of the difference FUTURO makes in our students’ lives. We are glad to have her not only as a member of the LALDEF family, but as a source of inspiration to the next generation of students.”

To learn more about the FUTURO program, please click here: About FUTURO.