Melvin Vazquez

Melvin Vazquez is a Research and Policy Fellow at LULAC’s National Office in Washington, D.C., during the summer of 2026. Having grown up in the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area, he is a fluent Spanish speaker, first-generation college graduate, and the son of Mexican immigrants. Melvin is entering his second year at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College, where he is pursuing a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management as part of its highly selective Washington, D.C. Track program. He previously earned bachelor’s degrees in Economics and International Studies from American University, with a concentration in Latin America focusing on international trade, economic development, and inequality, as well as a minor in International Business.

Melvin’s work focuses on advancing justice and opportunity for underserved communities. He previously served as a Research Intern with the University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors, where he researched labor trafficking and worker exploitation trends and supported survivor-centered advocacy efforts. He also worked with Legal Aid DC’s Reentry Justice Project, assisting clients with barriers related to reentry, immigration, employment, and access to legal services. Melvin also served as an Investigative Intern with the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, supporting attorneys and investigators on felony cases.

Throughout his academic career, Melvin has combined research, public service, and community engagement. As a Community-Based Research Scholar at American University, he conducted research on immigration and educational equity while supporting projects with D.C. Public Schools.

His professional interests include immigration, civil rights, criminal justice, international trade, economic development, and public policy. Through his work at LULAC, Melvin hopes to deepen his understanding of policy advocacy and strengthen opportunities for Latino and immigrant communities nationwide. He ultimately plans to pursue a career at the intersection of international law, public policy, and civil rights advocacy.