Home State: Illinois
Born in Quito, Ecuador, Melanny arrived in the United States at just one year old and has called Chicago home ever since. Like many immigrant families, her parents came to this country seeking greater opportunities and a better future for their children. Their sacrifices shaped her understanding of resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of education.
Growing up undocumented meant learning early that opportunities often came with barriers. In high school, she was a top cadet in her NJROTC program and dreamed of serving the country she called home through the military. She hoped to pursue an ROTC scholarship after graduation, but despite her accomplishments, she was not eligible because she did not have a Social Security number. It was one of the first times she realized how her immigration status could limit opportunities.
Everything changed when DACA was announced. Receiving DACA at 17 years old gave Melanny the opportunity to legally work, drive, and pursue her goals with greater stability. While never intended to be a permanent solution, it opened doors that had previously felt out of reach.
Education became her pathway forward. She earned her associate degree from Wilbur Wright College, where she became the first undocumented Student Trustee representing nearly 60,000 students across the City Colleges of Chicago system. She later transferred to Northeastern Illinois University and became the first person in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, graduating debt-free in 2019 thanks to TheDream.US. In 2026, she completed her Master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University, a milestone that once felt unimaginable as an undocumented student.
TheDream.US transformed her life. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to earn her bachelor’s degree debt-free and pursue higher education without the financial barriers that often stand in the way of undocumented students. Beyond the scholarship itself, TheDream.US connected her to a community of scholars and alumni from across the country whose stories, resilience, and achievements reminded her that she was not alone in her journey. Being part of that network deepened her sense of belonging and reinforced her belief in the power of education to change lives.
Since graduating, she has dedicated her career to expanding educational access and opportunity for others. Her work in both the nonprofit and higher education sectors has focused on undocumented student success. In recognition of this work, she was honored as one of Negocios Now’s Chicago Latinos 40 Under 40. Today, she serves as the District Director of Alumni Engagement for the City Colleges of Chicago, a full-circle moment for someone whose educational journey began as a community college student.
Looking back, the young girl who arrived in Chicago at one year old could never have imagined becoming the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree, much less a master’s degree. These degrees represent more than academic milestones. They represent her parents’ sacrifices, her community’s support, and the countless people and organizations who invested in her future when the path forward was uncertain. Her story serves as a reminder of what is possible when students are supported, believed in, and given the chance to thrive.
