Imelda Gutierrez

Imelda “Mel” Gutierrez is an educator, advocate, and graduate student based in Texas with nearly two decades of experience serving students in public education. As a Character Specialist and former Spanish teacher at Uplift Education, she is deeply committed to supporting Black, Brown, immigrant, and underserved students through equity-centered practices and restorative approaches to student behavior.

Mel is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy at Southern Methodist University, where her work focuses on discipline equity, immigration policy, and the ways immigration systems impact educational access, student well-being, and opportunities for children and families in underserved communities. As the first person in her family to graduate high school, attend college, and earn a degree, she brings both personal experience and professional insight to her advocacy and leadership.

Through her work in education, policy, and community advocacy, Mel hopes to help shape systems that better serve historically marginalized communities and increase representation for women and people of color in leadership and public service.

Based in: Dallas, TX
Organization: Uplift Education
Position: Character Specialist
Speaking topics: leadership as a woman in government, public policy in action, supporting women in government
Audience preferences: all
In-person or virtual: both
Speaking format: panelist, Q&A/informal discussions
Speaker fee: none

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Page last updated 11:04 AM, July 8, 2026