Channell Mellish is an impact-driven public affairs professional and communications strategist with an unwavering commitment to fostering positive social change and sustainable development. With more than a decade of experience working in the government, nonprofit, legal, and civil society sectors, she found that her skills are best utilized at the intersection of policy and effective public engagement. Channell specializes in amplifying issues that affect women and the most vulnerable communities.

Channell is currently an Atlas Corps Scholar and a part of the Women’s Leadership Initiative for global changemakers to provide a deeper understanding of how policy impacts social change across the world. She served as the citywide Director of Public Affairs for the Office of the New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams; liaised with the general public, international diplomatic corps, federal and state representatives, mayoral partners, and municipal agencies. She managed all aspects of external relations including constituency communications, brand management, digital marketing, public-private sector partnerships, and intergovernmental affairs. She previously worked for the Office of the Mayor for New York City Bill de Blasio, the First Lady of New York City Chirlane McCray’s groundbreaking ThriveNYC initiative, and various nonprofit organizations.

As a Jamaican immigrant who profoundly believes in community empowerment, Channell volunteers with the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies. She is the Co-founder of Talkin’ Back, an organization focused on addressing gender-based violence through advocacy. Channell also serves as the Chief Young Ambassador for the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute and is the Partnerships Director for ColorComm New York. In her spare time, Channell enjoys reading autobiographies. She resides in New York City.