Internews is delighted to announce that Mélody Patry is joining as its new Senior Director for Technology, Media & Democracy. In this role, Mélody will serve as Internews’ global expert on the role of information in expanding democracy and human rights, countering digital authoritarianism, and addressing mis- and disinformation. She will lead a team of advisors to advance our work in specific areas of focus, including corporate platform accountability, digital rights and safety, and the viability of media.

Mélody has been working at the intersection of human rights and emerging technologies for the past 10 years. Prior to joining Internews, she worked at Access Now where, as Advocacy Director, she led on developing the global advocacy strategies and partnerships needed to protect the internet and those who use it. Mélody is a dedicated advocate for media freedom as a pillar of any functioning democracy and serves on the board of the Guardian Foundation, and on the Network Investment Council at Reset. 

Previously, Mélody was head of advocacy at free speech organization Index on Censorship in London, where she worked with human rights defenders, government officials, and in coalitions such as the Global Network Initiative, the Civic Solidarity Platform, and Don’t Spy on Us. Before that, she worked with Cairo-based grassroots organizations and artists on campaigns addressing women’s rights issues, assisted the Representative to the European Union for Doctors Without Borders, and acted as a political advisor for the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. 

Mélody holds an MA in International Security from Sciences Po Paris and a BA in Law and Political Science from Lille II University. She is based in London.