Melissa Benitez

Hometown: Santa Ana, California

School: Santa Ana High School

Melissa Benitez’s American Dream emerged at the age of six, consisting of coming to the United States of America from Guatemala, and being able to build bridges of diversity and opportunities. She believes that being a Latina means that you carry your sense of home and culture wherever you go. Growing up in California, in the city of Santa Ana, Melissa searched to find a voice and representation to tell the untold and hidden stories of immigrants. The amazing opportunity of participating in CHCI NextGen gave Melissa insight into being a leader, empowering and giving her values to continue her passion of advocating for those who are struggling to voice out their needs and struggles in her community, Santa Ana, and her birth country, Guatemala.