Kélicia MASSALA
Global Girls’ Education Advocate and Intellectual Property Law Professional
ABOUT kélicia
Kélicia Massala was born and raised in Caen, in the north-west of France on September 18, 2000. She is a passionate advocate for gender equality, women’s rights, and education. With a B.Sc. in International Studies and an LL.M. in Information Technology Law—specializing in intellectual property—from the University of Montréal, she is dedicated to empowering young women and girls around the world. She founded Girl Up Quebec, a club that offers leadership, education, and advocacy opportunities for young women. Kélicia also works at Lavery Lawyers, a leading intellectual property law firm in Quebec, where she helps clients protect their innovations while continuing her advocacy efforts.
RECIPIENT OF THE LEADHER AWARD 2025
Kélicia has been recognized internationally for her work on gender equity. She was a recipient of the Leadher Awards 2025, an award that honors outstanding women who are shaping the future through leadership, advocacy, and innovation.
Hershey’s International Women’s Day Campaign
In 2023, Kélicia was featured in Hershey’s International Women’s Day campaign, celebrating women who are making a difference globally.
Other Featured Work
Apprendre et Enseigner Magazine: Article on Algorithmic Bias (2023)
Kélicia wrote an insightful article about addressing algorithmic bias in education and its impact on social justice, called “Navigating Bias and Ensuring Fairness : Equity Unveiled in the AI-Powered Educational Landscape”
LinkedIn Article: Inspiring Journey Across Kenya: Empowering Young Minds (2024)
A reflection on Kélicia’s work in Kenya, focusing on the importance of education and mentorship for young minds.
Girl Up Project Award by UN Foundation (2023)
Recognized for her leadership and advocacy in empowering young girls globally.
The Sound Lens Podcast: Lens of a New Generation of Advocacy (2023)
Kélicia was invited to discuss the future of advocacy on this popular podcast.
Humanitarian Missions
Kélicia has worked in various regions, including Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya, where she has led humanitarian missions to support education and empowerment initiatives impacting 550 young girls.
Côte d’Ivoire Mission (July 2023)
In July 2023, Kélicia Massala traveled to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to fully organize and co-host an event in collaboration with Girl Up Côte d’IvoireThe event focused on encouraging young Ivorian girls to pursue STEM careers while introducing them to the role of Intellectual Property (IP) in fostering technological innovation—a key theme in her master’s thesis in law. The event featured discussions with esteemed speakers, including Madame Marie Laure Angoran, Director of American Spaces at the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan, and Madame Nadine Zoro, Director of the DigiFemmes program. Their insights on leadership and digital innovation enriched the conversation and provided valuable mentorship to the participants.
Kenyan Mission (July 2024)
In 2024, Kelicia’s mission in Kenya centered on collaborating with schools and children’s homes to support educational initiatives and mentor young girls. The trip focused on providing mentorship and leadership training to empower girls with the skills needed to pursue leadership roles in their communities, as well as organizing fundraising campaigns to cover school fees for children in local homes, ensuring that underprivileged children had access to quality education.
Projects
Girl Up Québec
Founded in 2020, Girl Up Québec is a coalition supporting the UN Foundation’s Girl Up campaign, dedicated to advocating for gender equality through education, leadership training, and community building. The organization empowers young girls to become leaders and advocates for social change.
Girl Up Festival
The Girl Up Quebec Festival is an annual event that gathers young women and leaders to discuss issues such as intersectional feminism, leadership, and gender equality. The festival includes workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities.
Testimonials
Thank you for your feed back, I really appreciate
Kélicia’s leadership and advocacy have inspired countless young women to take charge of their future. Her work is transforming communities and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Dear Kélicia, Thank you so much for speaking at our 2024 Leadership Forum! We appreciate the thoughtful insights & diverse perspective you brought to the discussion! Your participation means so much to our community of young change mokers! With Gratitude,
I nominate Kélicia Massala for the Perséides Award in recognition of her positive attitude and exemplary adaptability. Kelicia consistently demonstrates a willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities, contributing to the growth of our team. Her open-mindedness and commitment to embracing new challenges are invaluable qualities.
Dear Kélicia, It is with immense pleasure and pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on being selected as a recipient of the esteemed LEADHER Award. Your exceptional dedication to advancing gender equality and empowering girls and women through Girl Up Quebec has not only inspired us but has also made a profound impact on communities worldwide.