by Lindsay Fujimoto, MPA Student Ambassador

February 20, 2021

Imagining new possibilities in order to accomplish positive change in our workplace and in our communities is a key tenet of the Evergreen MPA mission and is exemplified by MPA alumni like Melody Rodriguez ’19. After founding Proyecto MoLE 14 years ago, Melody has led a program that promotes positive self-development, increases post-secondary education or professional career paths, and develops young Latinos as catalysts for change. Melody’s impact on our community is tremendous as she has dedicated over 25 years to mentoring our community’s next generation of leaders.

MENTOR recently recognized Melody with the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Mentoring, which is given to an individual who has dedicated their life’s work to supporting youth through mentoring programs. By working to “close the mentoring gap and drive equity through quality mentoring relationships for young people,” MENTOR has been a leader in and advocate for the youth mentoring effort for 30 years. Melody demonstrates her dedication to empowering youth through mentorship and “being the change,” Evergreen MPA’s motto, every day, impacting lives around her and creating positive change in our community.