Our Team

Françoise Palau-Wolffe is a leading human rights educator and advocate whose work has shaped education and activism in Bermuda. Inspired by Paulo Freire’s pedagogy, she promotes youth empowerment and human dignity through innovative human rights education. Over two decades with Amnesty International Bermuda, Françoise led progressive changes. As a Chairperson, she appointed the first youth board member and coordinated Bermuda’s first Human Rights Friendly School Program. Certified by Amnesty International and the United Nations, she developed participatory teaching methods blending Restorative Justice practices, SDG simulation games, and AI to engage learners in real-world issues. Her commitment to equality is also reflected in her role on Bermuda’s Gender Affairs Council. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Human Rights Education Network (HuRen), Françoise continues to advance Human Rights education and social justice initiatives across the community.

Dr Mellisa Gibbons Tankard is a Bermuda Registered Psychologist with a specialty in Educational Psychology and a subspecialty in Developmental Psychology. She has worked with children and families for over 35 years. During this period she has serviced individuals from the early childhood range to the College level in both the public and private sector. Throughout her career, Dr Gibbons Tankard has taught Education, Child and Youth Studies and Psychology courses as an adjunct/part-time lecturer in the USA and in Bermuda. She has been educated in Bermuda, Canada and the USA. Prior to receiving her doctorate, she interned at the Center for Research on the Education of Students Placed at Risk (a joint collaboration with John Hopkins University and Howard University). Dr. Gibbons Tankard's research interests primarily include culturally-affirmative pedagogical practices, equity and diversity as well as the application of developmentally appropriate interventions.

Claudia Seymour is an applied social researcher with more than 25 years of experience in the field of conflict analysis, peacebuilding, youth inclusion and child protection. She has extensive experience working with the United Nations as a protection specialist and human rights investigator, and as a research consultant for a range of international NGOs and think tanks. She is a trainer in protection and human rights and a lecturer in MA courses on the political economy of violence, conflict management, and the ethics of international engagement. Her book, The Myth of International Protection: War and Survival in Congo, was published by the University of California Press in 2019. Claudia is currently Head of Applied Research Projects and Practice at the Geneva Graduate Institute. She earned her MA in conflict management and development economics from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and her PhD in development studies from the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies.

Slava Balan is a human rights researcher and practitioner based in Canada. With over 20 years of human rights work experience, Slava collaborated extensively with Amnesty International and United Nations, taught human rights and law courses in Canada and internationally, advised and consulated human rights organizations in Europe and Asia. Currently Slava finalizes his PhD in law at the University of Ottawa, serves as the executive director of the International Commission of Jurists - Canada and as Board member with HuRen in Bermuda.

Corrie Cross is a committed human rights advocate with a background supporting organizations like Amnesty International and Rotary International. Corrie is actively involved in her community, she served in the Royal Bermuda Regiment and is an active member of local charities such as Bermuda is Love. Her passion for community engagement has led her to her role as Brand Manager and Secretary of HuRen. Known for her leadership and dedication, Corrie works to advance justice, service, and meaningful local impact.

Samson Douglas is a financial services professional at Deloitte with experience advising clients across multiple sectors, including not-for-profits. He holds a BSc in Banking and Finance and is currently pursuing the ICAEW Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification.

Passionate about equity, youth development, and inclusive education, Samson serves as Treasurer of the Human Rights Education Network (HuRen), supporting its mission through strategic financial oversight.