Perla Yasmeen Meléndez is a writer, artist, teacher, and chef. She holds an MFA in Book Art and Creative Writing from Mills College and a Culinary Arts Degree from Costa Rica’s Escuela Gourmet Arcam. Perla is a long-time member of the Chapter 510 team, having worked as a teaching artist, translator, copy editor, graphic designer, and store manager. Perla is the founder of Two Mamacitas Pop-Up Kitchen, a catering business serving Latin American Cuisine. At the Mesa Refuge, she worked on a collection of short stories and recipes for her upcoming cookbook.