Alexus McNally

What are some interesting details about yourself you'd like to share with WCAPS' membership?

Alexus McNally is a Haitian American human rights lawyer. She is the Program Officer at the International Legal Foundation, where she oversees programming to provide high-quality legal services to poor and vulnerable people suspected or accused of committing crimes in countries including Myanmar, Palestine, Tunisia, and Trinidad & Tobago. Alexus is also the author and illustrator of an inclusive children's book series entitled "The Ladybug Collection" which follows a young Black heroine as she navigates issues concerning bullying and fear in a light-hearted and fun way. Amazon.com: Alexus McNally: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

What project(s) are you working on and how does it reflect your passion?

I have a passion for human rights and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. At work, I am overseeing a project to advance juvenile justice in Trinidad and Tobago. I am getting the opportunity to connect with lawyers and professionals of color and work alongside them to better the Trinidad and Tobago criminal legal system. I am also creating other literature that showcases people of color. Representation is so important. Children need to be able to see themselves and their experiences from a young age in order to fully appreciate themselves. Lastly, I am working on content to shift the narrative about Haiti and to educate people on Haitian history. At the moment, Haiti does not have any elected officials in government, and there is a lot of gang violence in the capital. The international community is weighing whether or not it is going to intervene and also the extent of its intervention. I am hoping that the content I am creating can raise awareness and help decision-makers select better choices if another intervention occurs.