Minds Matter Southern California

Volunteer: Melisa Santizo

Minds Matter Southern California connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their own future, and change the world through a holistic approach that nurtures social-emotional and life skills.

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Melisa Santizo first joined Minds Matter as a high school student in LA in 2013. Melisa is the oldest of 4, raised by a single mother who did not finish high school. Melisa lived in her local library, fueling her passion for reading and curiosity about the world. Joining Minds Matter was a bridge from the circumstances she was born into to the future she wanted for herself and her family. Her mentors didn’t just guide her, they empowered her. Through late nights, uncertain moments, and doors that
felt shut, they showed up with belief, consistency, and heart. They helped Melisa transform self-doubt into perseverance, and determination into achievement. Melisa had a tough time adjusting to Harvard academically and socially. She made the difficult decision to take a year off and during that year, she came back to Minds Matter through the Americorps program. During this year, Melisa shared her challenges at school and helped to co-create the current social emotional learning program, Connections, has transformed the student experience. Melisa’s ability to turn challenges into growth opportunities for herself and others is unparalleled. Upon returning to LA post-Harvard, Melisa could not wait to become a Connections facilitator, guiding SEL storytelling circles with students. Her presence is felt not only in the classroom but in our culture. Students light up around her, and volunteers remark on her warmth, wisdom, and deep commitment.  Her ability to connect with students stems from lived experience; the challenges she has overcome have shaped a sense of grounded empathy that permeates every interaction. She doesn’t simply teach students to write but rather empowers them to believe their stories matter. She pushes Minds Matter to think differently, then leads them into that new direction with grace and conviction