Melissa is a SMAC Fellow who is leading the Mission Campus groups at San Francisco City College.

“I felt like I didn’t have a voice, but Coleman Advocates helped me see that it’s possible.”

Written by: Tyler Wiest

Tell Us About How You Came To San Francisco

I came to San Francisco 7 years ago looking for opportunities. In my country, I studied Geology and I have a master’s degree in science. I moved to San Francisco for opportunities, and for my kids. I have two kids, one daughter and one son.

How Did You Get Connected With Coleman Advocates?

When I began my education at City College, I saw some information about Coleman Advocates, and I was very interested because they offered opportunities for learning more about the system and how to use my voice. So I was thinking it’s a good idea to apply for a fellow position because I felt a passion to help my community. Coleman Advocates showed us how we can use our voice to help our community.

What was One Memorable Moment You Experienced with Coleman Advocates?

I have a lot of amazing memories, but one is when I applied to be Vice President for Mission Campus, Students Council. Because in my life I’ve suffered poverty and domestic violence, I felt like I didn’t have a voice, but Coleman Advocates helped me see that it’s possible, and they encouraged me to apply for the position. When the students voted for me, this is when I realized the value in what I’m doing and that I have a voice. I felt like the support from the Coleman Advocates helped me believe in myself and it empowered me to continue to work for my community and help others.

How Has Coleman Advocates Helped You In Your Life?

Coleman Advocates changed my life in many good ways. This is my last year before I transfer to the University for public health. I opened a club in Mission Campus, and I’m very excited because this is an opportunity for the students practice English and Spanish because I understand it’s difficult for many students to have a space for practice, especially students like me, who are single parents. So come and help me find ways for open more resources for students. And another thing, I was nominated to be the client ambassador for Dress for Success And this is one thing that is because it’s a lot of things they work with organizations like Coleman Advocates and Best Practices, which made me feel like I have a voice, but also I can continue to help my community for resources.

I’m very excited because we are opening the first student club at Mission Campus, and my goal is to continue with even more opportunities and to develop more leadership skills. Because I feel like it’s not only thinking about myself, but also thinking about new people that can also become leaders. So Coleman Advocates teaches me to not only think about my self but also my community.

What is something you can tell anyone who’s interested in joining? what would you tell them about Coleman Advocates?

First I say that please be a part of our work. For Coleman Advocates, you can apply for different programs and right now, the Mission Campus is open, and there you can attend the meetings. But, it’s not just at Mission Campus. We are working with our community at all San Francisco City College campuses.

We want to listen to the students to improve the conditions in general for education. So it’s I recommend joining us! This is one safe space and you can feel support and you can feel community.

If you would like to join Melissa’s group you can find it by scanning the QR code below, or going to the following link on our website: https://colemanadvocates.org/smac

Melissa runs the Mission Campus SMAC group and is encouraging anyone interested to join.

You can also watch Melissa’s Interview on video here: https://youtu.be/al9gdsUKi9E