Klingenfuss, Melody

Melody Klingenfuss is a statewide youth organizer for the California Dream Network, run by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA). Born in Guatemala, Klingenfuss didn’t realize she was undocumented until she was 17, when it came time to apply for college. While she graduated high school with honors, her options were limited by her status and inability to secure scholarships or financial aid. She eventually entered the USC Price School of Public Policy master of nonprofit leadership and management program. Less than two weeks after completing her master’s degree she landed what she calls her dream job.