Mel Thomas

Hi, I’m Mel Thomas — founder of the KYUP! Project, speaker, author and proud mum. I started out in journalism and now champion self‑worth and resilience, especially in young women. Over the past decade, I’ve worked with schools and community groups to deliver hands‑on workshops that blend self‑defence, storytelling and leadership skills. We’ve reached more than 20,000 young people, breaking cycles of violence and building confidence from the inside out. My style is real, relatable and rooted in my own experiences – because I’ve walked the path myself and know what it takes to rise. If you’re looking for someone who leads with heart and isn’t afraid to tackle the tough stuff, I’d love to connect.