Jesse Melgar, MPP '17

Jesse Melgar, MPP '17 is COMMUNITY. He is one of our 40 Under 40 2022 recipients and the 2023 Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient. He is the Senior Advisor for Strategy & Public Affairs at the University of California Possibility Lab where he works with government and community partners on data-driven solutions for the public good. He was previously Senior Advisor for California 100, and from January 2019 through April 2021, Jesse was the communications director, press secretary and deputy director of public affairs for California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Sound Bites

Headlines

Taking Communication from the Governor’s Office to UC Initiatives
A Call to Service: Commitment to giving a voice to all Californians.
Uplifting Communities by Pushing the Margins

Hooks

Jesse is known for serving the people of California during the most challenging of times.
When you think about the largest crisis in 2020, what comes to mind? Jesse Melgar, MPP ’17 was at the forefront of communication for Governor Newsom when COVID was at its peak.

Quotes

“When you have a seat at the table, you bring your own lived experiences.” – Jesse Melgar, MPP ’17
“UCR is a testament to the significant role it plays in the community.” – Jesse Melgar, MPP ’17

Narrative

Jesse Melgar, MPP ’17 is known for serving the people of California during the most challenging of times. In 2020, he was the Director of Communications for Governor Gavin Newsom during COVID. With the ultimate position that strengthened his career, Melgar is now the Senior Advisor for Strategy & Public Affairs at the University of California Possibility Lab where he works with government and community partners on data-driven solutions for the public good.

As a native to the Inland Empire, Melgar brought his knowledge back to his roots to help better the surrounding areas by empowering latino serving nonprofits through the Inland Empire Community Foundation, where he has helped to raise over $125,000 in scholarships to latino college students where only 1 in 10 have a bachelors degree or higher.

In 2023, Melgar co-founded the Inland Empire LGBTQ Resource Center, right in the heart of Downtown Riverside. Himself, along with fellow UCR alums, Gabriel Maldonado ’11 and Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes ’09, established the first of it’s kind in the region to invest in inland LGBTQ community organizations with capacity building, training, and programming support. The center serves residents throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties an provides a safe space and community facilities for LGVTQ led and serving groups to gather and meet.

Melgar was honored as one of UC Riverside’s 40 Under 40 in 2022. With his current work, he was nominated by many for the 2024 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, an award for those that have accomplished what most strive for all before the age of 40.

His story and quotes are best used in:

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Suggestions:

When featuring an alumnus in a publication, newsletter, or social post. Highlighting a notable alumni to prospective students, current students, and alumni.
When promoting the value of a UCR degree to prospective students.
When promoting alumni that that have transformed from attending UCR to donors.
Promoting a first gen alumnus who has given back to the community.