Melisa Valdez, Survivors’ Project Legal Services Coordinator, is passionate about empowering immigrant communities. Before joining MIA, she was the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition organizer assigned to West Tennessee. During this time, she worked tirelessly to educate the community about COVID-19 vaccines and connect individuals to essential services and advocacy opportunities. She was also involved in the Shelby County Mayor’s Office 2021 COVID-19 Community Council, highlighting her commitment to public service and community health. She’s volunteered her skills as an interpreter for MIA and has worked as a Bilingual Intake Coordinator for the Community Legal Center.
Originally from Argentina and raised in Memphis, Melisa’s migration journey has profoundly influenced her dedication to supporting immigrant communities. She brings a heartfelt understanding of immigrants’ challenges and is devoted to offering exceptional support to attorneys and accredited representatives. Her mission is to nurture an environment where every immigrant’s rights and dignity are upheld, guiding them toward a more secure and hopeful future.
Invested in enriching community initiatives outside her professional work, she leads lively, monthly discussions in a local Spanish book club for Dixon Gallery & Gardens, fostering a space for cultural exchange and intellectual growth.