I’m Melissa Maldonado-Salcedo (Mel Mal)—an artist, anthropologist, and writer committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and exploring the deep connections between culture, care, and everyday life.

 

My work resides at the intersection of storytelling, social justice, and community engagement, shaped by a lifelong curiosity about how people find meaning in the world. I hold a PhD and an MA in Cultural Anthropology from the CUNY Graduate Center, where I also earned a Women’s Studies certificate with a concentration in queer studies. Additionally, I have an MA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from NYU and an MA in International Affairs from The New School.

 

These interdisciplinary foundations shape the way I think, teach, and write: grounded in community, sharpened by theory, and committed to imagining more equitable futures. As an educator, I strive to create spaces where diverse perspectives can thrive and where students feel grounded, seen, and challenged to think critically and empathetically. Whether I’m teaching, writing, or collaborating with communities,

 

I approach every project with a combination of rigor, creativity, and heart. My research and creative practice often explore identity, belonging, and the quiet resilience embedded in lived experience—especially within Black, Brown, and diasporic communities. I’m a lifelong learner who believes growth is a shared practice. Mentorship is central to who I am, and I’m committed to others as I continue to refine my own voice and expand my work.

 

No matter the medium—classroom, page, or community space—

I aim to bring kindness, clarity, and a bold, imaginative vision for a more inclusive future.

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I explore culture and creativity as ...

an artist,

anthropologist,

academic,

activist,

and a neurodivergent thinker.