Marie-Elena John

Marie-Elena John was born and raised in Antigua. She achieved distinction as the first Black woman valedictorian of New York’s City College (CCNY) in 1986. She subsequently earned a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University, specializing in culture and development in Africa. Her early career focused on international development and human rights, working with organizations such as the African Development Foundation, the World Council of Churches’ Program to Combat Racism, and Global Rights. In these roles, she supported pro-democracy movements in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

John transitioned into a leading role in the United Nations system, where she has worked for over a decade at UN Women, the agency dedicated to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women. She currently serves as the Senior Racial Justice Lead within UN Women’s Policy, Programme and Intergovernmental Division, contributing to initiatives focused on racial justice and ending violence against women. Her work includes advocating for women’s inheritance rights and contributing to policy papers such as ‘WOMEN BELONGING TO COMMUNITIES DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BASED ON WORK AND DESCENT: ADVANCING INTERSECTIONAL RIGHTS AND JUSTICE’ (2025).

In 2006, John made her literary debut with the novel ‘Unburnable,’ which garnered critical acclaim. The book was named “Best Debut of 2006” by Black Issues Book Review, shortlisted for a 2007 Hurston/Wright Legacy Award in the Debut Fiction Category, and nominated for the 2008 International Dublin Literary Award. She was also recognized by Book Expo America as one of ten “emerging voices” for 2006. Her novel explores themes of Caribbean history, African heritage, mythology, and culture, drawing comparisons to works by Jean Rhys and Jamaica Kincaid. This unique literary contribution established her as both an impactful human rights advocate and a notable Caribbean writer.