About Me
Originally from the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia, I had never really had any first-hand experience with racism. I was privileged enough to have only studied it at secondary school and write lengthy essays about it as an undergraduate student.
However, after moving to Lyon, France in August 2018, I quickly became aware of the struggles faced by racialised people while volunteering at a charity organisation. Yet, it was not until I was granted the right to work in France that I really started understanding the psychological and emotional toll that living in a predominantly white country has on Black and Brown people.
I had to learn how to remain composed during cringe-worthy job interviews, and then learn how to deal with the overt racism that a fellow colleague and I faced at my place of work. (We were the only two Black employees on a staff of over 200.)
While coming to terms with my new reality, I promised myself that I had to do more for those who were too afraid to speak up out of fear of being fired. I knew that I had to play an active role in the changes that I wanted to see in the world.
This is how Melanie Jacob Consulting was born.
Given my many years of experience in media and education, as well as my passion for social change, I knew that working in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging was the right choice for me.
I am so excited to start this journey with you and hope that we all can learn and grow together!
Education & Interests
Melanie holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree in French & Spanish from the University of the West Indies: Cave Hill campus and a Master of Arts degree in Communications, Media & Public Relations from the University of Leicester.
She loves giving back to the community and has volunteered at a number of charitable organisations, including The International Red Cross and Habitat et Humanisme - Rhône.
At present, she is the Caribbean Region Circle Leader at Lean In Equity & Sustainability.
Melanie lives and works in Paris, France and is available for presentations, conferences and panel discussions on inclusive media, anti-racism and intersectional feminism.