Coffee with Malene Alleyne
Malene Alleyne is one of the most dynamic, genuine spirits you'll ever meet. This Harvard Law grad and 2017 IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer awardee has dedicated her career to human rights advocacy after spending a few years in corporate law. Connecting with dynamic women who are driven by purpose and passion is one of our favorite things to do. We were so happy to be able to spend some time catching up with Malene, and even happier to share our musings with you! So please –– sit back, relax and enjoy.
Grabbing coffee at a cafe near the UN, Geneva, after a full day of meetings
1. Describe yourself in 3 words.
Humble. Kind. Driven.
"EACH DAY, I TRY TO PLAY A PART IN SHAPING THE WORLD I DREAM ABOUT - ONE IN WHICH EACH PERSON'S DIGNITY IS VALUED."
1. Tell us a bit about the work you do and why you chose that field.
I started my career at a corporate law firm, but my dream has always been to work on human rights issues. So I took a leap of faith and made the switch and it has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Today, I'm a human rights lawyer and co-founder of Fringe Unicorn -- a multi-platform space that promotes a transcendent vision of human rights. I'm very passionate about refugee rights, women's rights, minority rights, and more recently business and human rights. No matter what I'm working on, each day, I try to play a part in shaping the world I dream about - one in which each person's dignity is valued, honored and respected. I absolutely love what I do. Best part is, I get to work with amazing people and communities across the world who show me the brilliance of the human spirit.
3. Any big plans or projects for the rest of 2019?
Glad you asked! Hopefully registering a nonprofit organization. This would be another dream come true and another step towards some very important goals of mine. I'll also be wrapping up a few projects that I'm excited to complete. This month, I'll go to Ecuador to appear before a hearing of the Inter American Commission on Human Rights. Then I'll head to Geneva shortly after for the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights. And finally, I'll end the year by submitting the results of over one year of research on the impact of UN treaties on my home country - Jamaica.
4. What advice would you give to your 15-year old self?
Don't sweat the small stuff.
5. Best advice you ever received?
Be brave.
6. Happiness is …?
Family and community.
7. What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who litter!
"MY GO-TO STYLE CAN BE SUMMED UP IN THREE WORDS: ALL BLACK EVERYTHING. ALTHOUGH RECENTLY...I'VE BEEN...SLOWLY SWITCHING IT UP."
8. Describe your go-to style.
My go-to style can be summed up in three words: all black everything. I've always gravitated towards very simple, muted colors. But recently, I've been experimenting with that quirky, mix-and-match vibe. I'm slowly switching it up a bit.
A beautiful black sand beach in Greece. A perfect end to a week of conferences.
9. You feel most beautiful when …
...I'm in my favorite pair of skinnies, a sharp blazer and a pair of stilettos.
"FASHION IS ONE OF THE MOST INTIMATE FORMS OF SELF EXPRESSION. IT SAYS WHO YOU ARE AND WHO YOU WANT TO BE ALL AT THE SAME TIME."
10. What does fashion mean to you?Fashion is one of the most intimate forms of self expression. It says who you are and who you want to be all at the same time. It sends a message, makes a statement, takes a stance. I've really been into the intersection of fashion and human rights lately. First, by thinking more consciously about the human rights impact of the brands I wear. And also about how communities have used fashion to make bold statements about justice and equality.
~The end~
A little note from the Style Sonata team:Malene –– it was our absolute pleasure catching up with you and discovering the world of Human Rights Law. Thanks so much for sharing with us so freely. We'll definitely keep our eye on you. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey.
xoxo
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