Melanie Berru
Professor of Sociology, Modesto Junior College
Melanie R. Berru is a proud Xicana born and raised in the Central Valley. She has a deep
commitment to both lead with and follow her heart. Her educational and academic career has been a labor of love. Ms. Berru holds a Master’s Degree in Sociology from Humboldt State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, with a concentration in human services, at CSU Stanislaus and is pursuing a doctorate program in educational leadership in 2018. Ms. Berru has dedicated her entire adult life applying her sociology by working with and for the community. She has approximately 20 years of providing educational, cultural, social and recreational programs for and with marginalized communities in Stanislaus County. Ms. Berru is currently a Professor of Sociology at Modesto Junior College. In her short time as full-time faculty, she has involved herself in student equity/justice issues, events, and programs. You will find Ms.Berru teaching passionately in the college classroom, guest speaking in the community or co-building with and for the community to create spaces of inclusivity and belonging in Stanislaus County. It is her hope that her son and the next generation will directly benefit from building these spaces. Finally, Ms. Melanie Berru is keenly aware that she stands on the shoulders of her ancestors and she is building both her strength and capacity so that the current and future generations have the opportunity to stand on her shoulders, if they choose to do so.