DELEGATE JOSELINE A. PEÑA-MELNYK
Maryland Legislative District 21

A U.S. citizen since 1983, Joseline was born in the Dominican Republic, raised by a single mother, and became first in her family to graduate from college. After receiving her law degree, Delegate Peña-Melnyk pursued a successful career as a prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., as a defense attorney, and as an advocate for neglected and abused children. Delegate Peña-Melnyk served two-terms on the College Park City Council before being elected to the Maryland House of

Delegates in 2006, where she continues to represent parts of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties. She serves as Vice Chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee, chairs the Public Health and Minority Health Disparities Subcommittee, and is a member of the Government Operations and Estates and Trusts and Health Facilities Subcommittee. In 2017, the Delegate was appointed to co-chair the Health Insurance Coverage Protection Commission, a 3-year effort to preserve affordable access to healthcare for Maryland residents. She also serves on the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus, the Women Legislators of Maryland Caucus and the Veterans’ Caucus. Joseline is a married mother of three. A more detailed biographical sketch is available on the Maryland General Assembly web site, where legislative bills she has sponsored may also be viewed.