Melanny Buitron Loor:  Championing Undocumented Student Success

Negocios Now

Born in Quito, Ecuador, and raised in Chicago since the age of one, Melanny is a proud first-generation, DACAmented professional dedicated to advancing educational equity. Her work is deeply rooted in uplifting undocumented and underrepresented students through policy, storytelling, and representation. Whether supporting students on campus or sharing content on TikTok and Instagram, her mission is to build visibility, awareness, and change around the immigrant experience in higher education.

At Morton College, Melanny serves as Student Activities Assistant and Undocumented Student Liaison. She creates spaces of belonging for undocumented and first-generation students, offering tailored guidance and support. She chairs the HOPE Scholarship Committee, co-advises the Student Government Association, and leads allyship initiatives through campus workshops. She recently coordinated a DACA renewal event with local partners to support students and families in the Cicero/Berwyn area.

Previously, Melanny was a Program Manager at TheDream.US, the nation’s largest scholarship provider for undocumented students—and a proud Scholar herself. She supported 6,000+ Scholars through workshops, events, and community engagement, helping elevate the organization’s mission of equity and opportunity beyond financial aid.

She also brings nonprofit experience from HITEC and the HITEC Foundation, where she helped amplify Latino leadership in tech and expand student pathways in STEM.

Melanny’s leadership began at Wright College, where she made history as the first undocumented Student Trustee for the City Colleges of Chicago. She co-created the CCC Monarch Scholarship and Welcoming Monarch symbol, interned with Senator Durbin, and worked with Chicago Votes to mobilize young voters. At NEIU, she served as Vice President of URO, organized immigrant rights events, and sat on the NEIU Foundation Board. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Higher Education Leadership through the ENLACE Program at Northeastern Illinois University, continuing her mission to empower students at every level.

Words of Wisdom

“Be proud to be the first in the room—but don’t be the last to walk through that door. Ponte las pilas, because your education is yours forever—nadie te la puede quitar.”