Meilyn immigrated from Brazil to the United States 23 years ago in search of greater opportunities. As a newcomer, she relied on nonprofit organizations for essential services such as healthcare, English classes, and employment support, experiences that inspired her lifelong commitment to serving immigrant communities. With a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a Master’s in Public Administration, she has spent more than 20 years working in the nonprofit sector across California and Florida. In 2021, she founded Immigrant Harbor to support newly arrived immigrants in Central Florida, and today she serves as Chief of Staff at Hope Community Center in Apopka, advocating for immigrant families and empowering women. Having received hope when she needed it most, Meilyn is dedicated to providing that same hope to others.