Lydia Mele
Lydia Mele has a family history of community activism. Her mother, Olga Mele, dedicated her life to helping underrepresented individuals find employment. Born in Puerto Rico, Olga moved to the United States when she married Lydia’s father, John, and settled in Hartford, Connecticut in the late 1940s. Olga had a strong connection to her faith, and Lydia describes her “doing God’s work” throughout her life, identifying needs within her community and working to fulfill them. Olga’s efforts were rewarded with a Jefferson Award at both the local and national levels, and she was even given the opportunity to meet then-President Jimmy Carter.
Lydia works as an advocate for individuals with disabilities. Previously, she has also worked teaching English; as a medical social worker; and as a counselor helping people develop skills to increase employability. She is proud of her mother’s legacy and sees her as a Puerto Rican role model that young people can look up to.
This interview is indexed in English with audio in English.
In her interview, she discusses:
- Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican heritage
- Family
- Employment and employability
- Immigration
- Activism
- Discrimination