Julio Melgoza was raised along the U.S.-Mexico border in Douglas, Arizona, and Agua Prieta, Sonora. Growing up in a household where culture was both taught and celebrated, Julio developed a deep appreciation for the diverse cultures in his community. His life experiences on the border gave him a unique understanding of cultural identity and the challenges faced by the Latino community.
Julio graduated from Douglas High School and earned his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, which further fueled his commitment to social equity and community advocacy. Throughout his career, Julio has gained valuable insights into the issues impacting the Latino community, particularly in areas such as access to resources, education, and social justice.
As the Project Coordinator for the Prevención sin Fronteras II program at Amistades, Inc., Julio is committed to making a lasting impact in his community by addressing substance use among Latino youth. The program provides tailored interventions that not only target vaping and marijuana use, but also address the underlying factors contributing to these behaviors. By utilizing evidence-based curriculums such as Catch My Breath, Thrive, and El Renacimiento, Julio works to deliver culturally responsive support to empower youth and promote healthier lifestyles. His efforts aim to foster cross-border collaboration, build resilience, and ensure the well-being of Latino youth across Cochise County.