Hi - I am Mikella. I am looking for freelance opportunities to further network and build my portfolio as an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Specialist and Researcher.

I currently have my first degree in Politics and International Relations. During this time, I had the chance to develop my interests in social awareness and advocacy. My degree allows me to have an understanding of how group behaviour has influence in cultural and social movements.

Starting September 2023, I will be self-funding my second degree in Communication for Social & Behaviour Change. I am hoping to understand how to use communication strategies to influence positive social and behavioural change.

My programme will be based in my home country of Jamaica. After 18 years of living abroad, I have decided to move back to my home country to learn more about cultural relativism and cultural dysphoria. I will hopefully be able to use my knowledge and experience to invest back into my home country.

While on my placement year, I was able to organise and run successful human libraries for Black History Month, LGBT History Month, and Disability Awareness Month. These events were planned in order to promote open dialogue, reduce prejudices, and to bring awareness to various social issues that these communities face.

I love developing content on ED&I related topics - having access to new material, accessibility and up-to-date information is key in an constantly shifting industry. The content that I have developed over the years has included: inclusive e- learning modules, scripts for external clients e-learning, inclusive policies, educational resources for leaders in the workplace for topics such as menopause, domestic violence, racial equality, mental health, etc.

In order to approach difficult conversations and present evidence based research on topics that can trigger emotions, I understand the need to communicate with empathy, understanding, compassion, and respect.

I have planned and executed projects from the start to end delivery. Using both quantitative(survey monkey, collecting demographic data, providing intersectional analysis, ROIs) and qualitative(literature reviews, focus groups, observations) methods. By preparing, conducting and recording the outcome of client projects, I am able to develop resources, analyse data, synthesise findings, and provide recommendations.