Melvin Gaye is based in Des Moines, Iowa, and is passionate about advancing youth equity and juvenile justice reform. Born in Monrovia, Ivory Coast, and raised in Iowa, Melvin draws on his lived experience to advocate for policies and community solutions that expand opportunities for young people — particularly those impacted by child welfare and justice systems. He dedicates his time to mentorship, policy advocacy, and community engagement that centers the voices and leadership of young people.
Guided by the belief that those closest to the problem must be closest to the solution, Melvin channels his passion into action through the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI), where he works to advance solutions that promote prevention, equity, and long-term opportunity for young people.

Outside of NFYI, Melvin serves as a Jim Casey Fellow with the Annie E. Casey Foundation and is a Governor-appointed member of Iowa’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Council. He also contributes to statewide youth engagement efforts, including serving as Recruiter Chair for the Youth Justice Council and participating in initiatives such as Iowa’s Family and Youth Engagement Summit and the Statewide Authentic Engagement Team.

Melvin uses art and storytelling to empower, heal and connect. He is grounded in fatherhood, community leadership, and his commitment to building pathways for young people to thrive.

Through the Congressional Leadership Academy, Melvin hopes to deepen his federal policy knowledge and coalition-building skills to strengthen youth-centered policy solutions and expand opportunities for young people nationwide.