Melissa Candelaria is the Education Director and Attorney at the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, and co-counsel for the Yazzie Plaintiffs in the Yazzie/Martinez v. State of New Mexico lawsuit. Melissa has extensive policy, legal, and advocacy experience and a lifelong commitment to serving the Native American community. Melissa is a member of the Pueblo of San Felipe. In her previous work with tribal, federal, and state governments, Melissa focused on a wide range of policy issues including Indian education, health, child welfare, tribal courts, and the promotion and protection of tribal sovereignty. Melissa has a Juris Doctor with a Certificate in Indian Law from the University of New Mexico School of Law.