Melissa Britton

MA in Latin American Studies | 2004

Photo: Melissa  Britton

Job : Associate Director, Indiana University Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Location : Bloomington, IN

Melissa Britton graduated from UNM in 2004, having completed a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies. Melissa chose to attend UNM because she was attracted to the size of the Latin American Studies program as well as the great course offerings. She enjoyed being in the southwest and experiencing the diverse cultures of the area. According to her, "I always knew I wanted to work in a nonprofit or government environment where I could specifically focus on Latin America and/or work with the Latino community. Getting a MA in Latin American Studies was, in my mind, an essential part of that process." After graduating, Melissa worked with a number of nonprofits like the Latino Community Center and United Way on outreach programs to a growing Latino population in her hometown. Since then, she has had a rewarding career in municipal government doing outreach to the immigrant population, advocating for equal access to health care, and workers' rights. Currently, she serves as the Associate Director for the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at Indiana University, where she enjoys the opportunity to reconnect with higher education and Latin Americanists.