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. 

Monica Atagana, Communications and Engagement Officer

Monica joined the Taylor Bennett Foundation in January 2023 as Communications and Engagement Officer. She joins the organisation with a background in communications for over six years and is passionate about working with young people.

Her previous experience spans across charities specialising in the arts, education, and working with vulnerable people in a social housing charity. Previously launching mentoring programmes, managing projects and organising events, she is well-rounded and confident in the skills this new role demands.

Monica is excited to join the Taylor Bennett Foundation and champion its mission to advocate for diversity and inclusion within the PR and communications industry. 

Debbie Nambo, Senior Programme Manager

Debbie joined the Taylor Bennett Foundation in December 2021 as the Senior Programme Manager for the Foundation's flagship Traineeship Programme. 
Debbie is an alumna of the Summer Stars programme which she completed in 2018. Through the Taylor Bennett Foundation's internship, Debbie secured a permanent position within the PR industry as an intern and since, progressed to a Senior Account Executive position before joining the Foundation as an employee. 
She is passionate about diversity and inclusion and the Taylor Bennett Foundations aim to encourage young people's career pursuit in the PR/communications industry. Debbie will be drawing from her experience over the past few years to help develop young talent. 
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, Administrator

Joining the Foundation in October 2021 as Business Administrator, Nicole is responsible for helping the Foundation with the smooth running of our existing programmes, new initiatives, social media and events.

Nicole has previous administrative experience contributing to the smooth running of an eCommerce store.  A large part of her role consisted of administration tasks, overseeing invoices and ensuring clients were satisfied from inception to delivery. 
Nicole has a strong passion for social mobility. 

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