Fabiola B. Meléndez Olmo, serves as the Policy Analyst for Grupo Nexos and plays a pivotal role in the ComPASS Puerto Rico project. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the project aims to enhance equitable access to health services, foster social-emotional well-being, and support the wholesome growth of children, youth, and their families. It endeavors to transform the social, physical, and economic conditions to diminish health disparities within communities. Melendez contributes to cross-sector collaborations, designs strategic funding opportunities, and establishes community-based delegations to bolster socio-emotional skills, employability, and financial education among young people.
Her extensive experience in collaboration, research, public policy analysis, community psychology, along with her analytical and leadership abilities, equips her with the essential framework to foster equity and robust partnerships. She earned her Ph.D. in Social Community Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico, where her research explored the intersection of social behaviors with media and communications. Prior to this, she completed her BA in Psychology at the University of Puerto Rico. As an expert in public policy, she applies various lenses such as historical trauma, socioeconomic conditions, childhood development, and restorative justice to ensure that data-driven decision-making and trauma-informed approaches foster equity and accountability. This diverse research and her analytical and leadership skills provide her with the necessary framework to promote equity and healthy partnerships.