Melissa Lopez Marantes

is a mother, an attorney, educator, and lifelong advocate for children and families in Central Florida. As the Executive Director and co-founder of the Orlando Center for Justice (OCJ), she has dedicated her career to ensuring every family — regardless of background — has equitable access to opportunity while protecting their rights. Melissa has championed initiatives that protect access to justice and empower families across Central Florida. She is not afraid to listen to her community and speak out to negotiate and defend their needs. Melissa is ready to listen and stand up for you.​ 

 

Melissa is an Orange County Public School graduate and has lived in District 1 for ten years. She also teaches and mentors students as an externship host for undergrad and law students. Melissa is an adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida, inspiring the next generation of community-minded lawyers and leaders.

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Before becoming an attorney, Melissa spent a decade in the advertising industry as an interactive broadcast producer. During this time she volunteered as a Guardian Ad Litem in South Florida, advocating for the well-being of children. She served on the City of Orlando’s first Mayor’s Multicultural Affairs Committee and has long supported arts and youth programs that build creativity and confidence in young people. She and her husband help lead the youth group at their church and served as part of the vacation bible school mission trip for children in the Dominican Republic.

 

A proud FAMU Law alumna, a local graduate of Edgewater High School, a Latina, and mother of two (plus one pup). Melissa brings both the professional expertise as an attorney and a parent’s perspective to the issues facing Orange County schools. She believes in strengthening public education through academic excellence, transparency, listening to parents and staff, a focus on safety including mental wellness, protecting arts programs and equitable opportunities for all students.