Help Melanie Cardoza raise money for COOP Careers!

Why I'm running for COOP Careers

I was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City. As a first-generation, low-income college graduate, I believed that earning a degree would be enough to open doors. What I learned is that talent and hard work are only part of the equation. Access matters, too. Networks matter. Mentorship matters. Confidence matters. Opportunity is not always distributed equally—and that's where COOP comes in.

As a COOP fellow and later a COOP captain, I gained far more than professional skills. I found a community, built a network, and developed the confidence to pursue opportunities that once felt out of reach. COOP played a meaningful role in shaping the career I've built across digital marketing, partnerships, and hospitality, and I know I'm just one of many success stories.

That's why I'm running the 2026 NYC Marathon for Team COOP.

After completing my first New York City Marathon in 2025, I'm returning to the starting line with a deeper purpose. Every training run, every early morning, and every mile through the five boroughs is dedicated to helping more first-generation and low-income graduates access the opportunities, support, and connections that helped change my life.

COOP taught me that potential is everywhere, but opportunity isn't. I am a direct outcome of this program, and your donation helps create more outcomes like me.

Thank you for supporting my journey, investing in COOP's mission, and helping open doors for the next generation of talent.

I already got my shot. I'm running 26.2 miles to help someone else get theirs.

What is COOP Careers?

Founded in 2014, COOP (“co-op”) Careers has supported nearly 9,000 first-gen and low-income college grads on their journey from underemployment to upward mobility.

Over the last decade, COOP has developed a targeted intervention that reflects the powerful role of relationships in the labor market — and the three qualities every job seeker needs: head, heart, and hustle.

• HEAD: Hard skills in defined career tracks

• HEART: Soft skills informed by Social Work team

• HUSTLE: Networking and employer partner engagement

Grounded in these core pillars, COOP delivers an intensive, 16-week fellowship offered in three career tracks: data analytics, digital marketing, and financial services. Fellows participate in a holistic, cohort-based model designed to build in-demand skills, expand professional networks, and provide the targeted support needed to secure their first good job after graduation. Fellows meet most weeknight evenings in cohorts of 16-20 peers, each led by a team of four captains, COOP’s signature alumni coaches. 

Following the 16-week fellowship, COOP provides up to eight months of optional alumni programming. This is a structured job search phase lasting two to eight months, when most alumni secure their first offer.

Historically, COOP participants are 2.3x as likely to be employed than non-COOP participants within 12 months of completing the fellowship. 

Your donation ensures first-gen and low-income college grads have the skills and connections they need for the careers they deserve.

Support Melanie and COOP’s mission. Donate today!