Melanie Medina

 Academic Advisor

pronouns: she/her/ella

 Bachelors of Arts in Sociology - California State University East Bay

Melanie’s professional career started in 2019 when she began working as the Mentoring & Advising Program Specialist Coordinator at California Lutheran University for their HSI Grant’s program ALLIES in STEM. She helped support & improve the enrollment, retention, and graduation rates for all underrepresented students majoring in STEM disciplines. She loved being able to connect with students through specialized programming and was where she found her passion in supporting students recognize their potential and foster their academic success. She knew she wanted to focus more on advising students in higher education and that’s what led her to SJSU today.

As a first generation student that comes from an immigrant family, Melanie knows the endless learning that comes with maneuvering countless unknowns with limited knowledge and help, especially the unknown world of academia that sometimes does not feel attainable. Throughout her educational career she was surrounded by counselors and staff who endlessly went out of their way to help her succeed. Their understanding and support truly impacted both her personal, academic, and professional life. She knows the difference counselors and advisors make on a regular basis and that is why she wants to be the helping hand that she once had.

When she’s not working Melanie loves to travel, her happy place is the beach & likes to go hiking on weekends. She reads & journals at the end of her day so send recommendations her way.