United States

Melanie is a powerful advocate for improving health outcomes among youth. At IWES, she is currently HIV Prevention Program Manager. She manages an HIV counseling, testing and referral program, as well as a youth sexual health advocacy and education initiative that includes policy advocacy with college-aged youth and implementation of a comprehensive sex education curriculum with 7th graders. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in international studies and a Master of Public Health from Louisiana State University.

This project increases youth access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services. It increases youth awareness and understanding of reproductive justice and SRHR, facilitate an exchange between New Orleans youth and those who provide healthcare services, and support youth creating and sharing recommendations for improvements.

Rise Up Cohort: Youth Champion 2016