Melanie Andrade Williams currently serves as the Policy Director for Florida Health Justice Project, bringing over a decade of experience in legislative strategy, coalition building, and policy advocacy with a sharp focus on health equity and social justice. She specializes in translating grassroots priorities into impactful public policy, leveraging her deep knowledge of Florida’s political landscape to build strategic alliances, influence legislation, and mobilize communities around critical health issues. With a background in reproductive justice, civic engagement, and community organizing, Melanie offers a results-driven, relationship-centered approach to advancing equitable health outcomes across the state.
Before joining FHJP, Melanie served as a Legislative Associate at Equal Ground, a Black-led voting rights organization, where she focused on implementing legislative strategies. She also served as the Florida Black Vote Director for the Harris for President campaign and as Legislative Manager for Planned Parenthood of South, East, and North Florida, where she developed and executed bold strategies to protect reproductive rights and expand healthcare access.
Melanie is a co-founder of the Dream Defenders and has worked in various roles across public policy, advocacy and government. Her work has centered on community organizing, reproductive justice, and civic engagement, with a special focus on mobilizing young people and community stakeholders to drive systemic change. She has advised state and national campaigns, organized major public policy events, and developed legislative toolkits and media communications, breaking down complex policy and legal issues for various audiences.
She holds a B.S. in Legal Support and Services from Purdue University Global. She continues to bridge the gap between legal advocacy, public policy, and the lived experiences of everyday Floridians.