Our Team

Melissa Lawrence, Chief Executive

Melissa joined the Taylor Bennett Foundation December 2018. She has worked in the not-for-profit sector for over twenty years and is a passionate advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Melissa worked for a social mobility charity, working with businesses in the financial, professional and related services sector to help them develop their corporate social responsibility, diversity and talent pipeline initiatives.

She is an established leader with a creative entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders. At the Foundation, Melissa's key focus is to shape the charity through awareness raising, leadership and strategic planning.

Melissa has been included in PRWeek's UK Power Book 2020, 2021, 2022.

Gabrielle Thuesday, Head of Programmes 

Originally joining the Foundation in 2019, Gabrielle is the Head of Programmes and leads on the delivery and development of the Foundation existing and new programmes. 
With previous project management experience spanning across the educational tech sector and a social mobility charity, Gabrielle is experienced in devising and operationally delivering programmes of support to young people.  
A champion of Taylor Bennett Foundations' core mission, neurodiversity and social mobility, Gabrielle is keen to create and deliver programmes that nurture talent and help diversify the PR & Communications industry. 
Kimberleigh Mitchell, Programme Manager (Mentoring & Summer Stars)

Kimberleigh joined the Taylor Bennett Foundation in December 2022 as Programme Manager for PR Mentoring Programme and Summer Stars Internship programme.
Prior to joining the Foundation, she worked cross-sector in the arts; administering, producing and facilitating participatory arts programmes, working collaboratively with and for community groups from underrepresented backgrounds in educational establishments, community organisations and creative spaces. 
Kimberleigh is passionate about representation, social change and creating safe spaces, where connecting and nurturing participants' voices and making a positive difference is at the heart of the work produced.

Nicole Yumpia, Programme Coordinator

Joining the Foundation in October 2021, Nicole is responsible for coordinating programmes and ensuring the smooth running of our flagship programmes, new initiatives and events.
Nicole has a strong passion for Diversity and Inclusion. She attends D&I events and reads up on new research to keep her knowledge on the cutting edge. 

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