Melanie Granito was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment. She grew up in a multicultural community being exposed to diversity at a very young age. Melanie is a graduate of the University of New Mexico and holds a Bachelor of Science in Education, and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. She has worked with district/school staff and students for over 25 years.

Melanie has served as a coach, teacher, and high school principal primarily in underserved school communities. As a high school principal, her focused efforts were to ensure all students were provided equitable supports and services to graduate college and career ready, anchoring the work in evidence based practices. Her principalship led her to the New Mexico Higher Education Department where she led the US Department of Education’s GEAR UP Grant providing college and career readiness supports statewide. After serving the full term of the grant, Melanie served as New Mexico’s Safe School State Coordinator with the Public Education Department overseeing safety and security measures statewide. She has spent her career ensuring that students and staff have a safe and academically rich environment to thrive in.

Melanie is a proud mother of three, and a grandmother. Her oldest son, Joel, is serving his country in the US Army and is stationed at Fort Hood. Her second son, Rio, just graduated from St. Michael’s High School and will be attending the University of New Mexico in the fall, focusing on a career in Health Care. Her daughter, Ava, will be a Senior at Santa Fe High School and is heading into her second Varsity volleyball season as starting Libero. Melanie’s sporty granddaughter, Kaylee, will be a 4th grader and will continue to keep her busy with her many activities on and off the field and court. Melanie is excited to join the Stand for Children team as a Center for High School Success Coach in Northern New Mexico. Melanie will continue to advocate and support educators in New Mexico who are serving diverse student populations.