About Holistic Strategic Moves with Melanie Horstead

I thrive at the intersection of people, systems, and purpose.

Over the course of my career, I’ve lived and worked across four countries, developing a deep appreciation for cultural diversity, collaboration and the importance of relationship-building in complex environments, and experiencing first-hand the cultural, social, and structural differences that shape people’s lives. These experiences challenged me to adapt, persevere, and find creative solutions in unfamiliar environments, deepening my understanding of human resilience and the factors that support wellbeing and growth.

I currently work at University College London (UCL), supporting the delivery of a €2.5 million ERC Horizon 2020-funded international research project spanning eight African countries. My work involves coordinating partnerships across universities, NGOs, community organisations and international stakeholders, managing complex projects and facilitating collaboration across cultures, languages and sectors. I have extensive experience working across higher education, research, innovation, social impact and international development environments.

From 2015 to 2024, I founded and led Talibe Trust, a UK-registered charity supporting vulnerable communities in Senegal. Through this work, I developed expertise in organisational leadership, partnership development, stakeholder engagement, funding proposals and sustainable programme design. I have also worked extensively in anti-human trafficking initiatives, designing and delivering trauma-informed training programmes and supporting professionals across public, voluntary and higher education sectors.

Alongside my project and partnership work, I have designed and delivered training, workshops and stakeholder engagement activities for universities, NHS organisations, police forces, charities and community groups. I am passionate about bringing people together around shared goals, facilitating collaboration and creating environments where individuals and organisations can thrive.

I hold an MA in Africa and Development (Distinction) from the University of Birmingham, a Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) and I also study and practise Ayurvedic approaches to wellbeing, which complement my broader interest in resilience, personal growth and holistic approaches to health.

I have organised and managed international conferences and events across Africa, Europe and Asia, working bilingually in English and French and engaging with stakeholders from diverse professional, cultural and organisational backgrounds. Whether developing partnerships, facilitating dialogue, supporting learning or helping organisations navigate change, I am driven by a desire to create connections that enable people and communities to flourish.

I believe meaningful and sustainable change happens when strong relationships, clear purpose and practical action come together—and I am committed to helping individuals and organisations achieve exactly that.