Paulette Melendez is the founder of Multiaccess Collective, a platform dedicated to advancing access, dialogue, and community-centered collaboration across languages, cultures, and systems.

A multilingual interpreter, veteran advocate, and public administration scholar, Paulette's work has been shaped by her experiences living abroad, working with language-deprived Deaf children and adults in Mexico, and serving diverse communities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. These experiences deepened her understanding of how access to language, information, resources, and community can influence opportunity and long-term outcomes.

Her perspective was further shaped during her eight years at Gallaudet University, where she experienced the power of a community built around access, leadership, and belonging. Those experiences continue to influence her vision for creating spaces where people feel connected, supported, and empowered to contribute their knowledge and expertise.

As a military dependent of a 100% disabled U.S. Army Veteran, Paulette also understands the importance of navigating complex systems and connecting individuals to the resources they need. Her professional background includes serving as a Veteran Coordinator at the University of South Florida and as a Veteran Service Representative with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where she helped veterans and families access educational and disability-related benefits.

Through Multiaccess Collective, Paulette brings together community members, professionals, educators, organizations, and decision-makers to create opportunities for learning, leadership, collaboration, and meaningful change. Her work spans interpreting services, professional development, community initiatives, dialogue series, and strategic partnerships designed to strengthen communities and expand access.

Paulette is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Public Administration, where her research and professional interests focus on community engagement, systems improvement, leadership, and access-centered approaches to service delivery.

At the heart of her work is a simple belief:

Access is more than communication—it is about belonging.