As a Puente Project Community College statewide coordinator, Melva Alvarez focuses on the Math and Science (MaS) initiative and special events planning for faculty and students statewide. Melva also works with the Puente Statewide Professional Development team facilitating equity training and presentations. Melva prides herself on creating student centered educational programming and has about 20 years of exemplary service to 1st generation community college students as a first year pathway coordinator and as a MESA program director. Melva has supported students in reaching their higher educational goals with a focus in STEM by providing research opportunities, industry internships and summer bridge experiences. Melva’s desire to build communities of care stems from her lived experience as a first generation, parenting college student. Melva Alvarez is a Puente alumna from Pasadena City College who transferred to the University of Southern California and graduated with a dual degree in Sociology and Chicano Studies. She also holds a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University.