Marie-Elena John

Marie-Elena John is an Antiguan writer and Senior Racial Justice Lead at UN Women, known for her novel ‘Unburnable’ and her extensive work in international development and human rights. After achieving distinction as the first Black woman valedictorian of New York’s City College (CCNY) in 1986, Marie-Elena John went on to earn 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, where she collaborated with prominent organizations including the African Development Foundation, the World Council of Churches’ Program to Combat Racism, and Global Rights. In these pivotal roles, she provided crucial support to pro-democracy movements across Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Marie-Elena John’s distinctive career trajectory, spanning over a decade of high-level international human rights advocacy with UN Women and her celebrated literary contributions, firmly establishes her as both an impactful global justice advocate and a notable, award-nominated Caribbean writer.