
Melanie Christion
Community Engagement Coordinator, Northwest Side
she/her/hers
mchristion@kidsfirstchicago.orgAs the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Northwest Side, Melanie is a dedicated community engagement professional with deep roots in education and community development. Born and raised in Chicago and a proud alumnus of Chicago Public Schools (CPS), She has a personal commitment to uplifting communities through education and outreach. Through her role, she lends her hand and expertise to parents to make sure the needs and wants of their children are met in the education system.
Previously, at the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation, she served as the After School Program Manager and Civic and Cultural Engagement Coordinator/ISU CTEP Community Liaison. In these roles, she developed and managed programs focused on civic education and cultural engagement, fostering a sense of community and belonging among youth and families in the area. She combines expertise with a passion for community-driven solutions. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration and adaptability, tailoring initiatives to meet the unique needs of the community.
With a Bachelor's Degree in Community Health from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, drawing from her experiences as a CPS graduate and a Chicago native, Melanie is committed to advocating for inclusive, community-focused approaches that drive meaningful change.