Who We Are
WFMH Board Candidates for Election
2025-2027
Nerissa J. Persaud
Country: Jamaica
Region: North America & Eng. Caribbean
Nominator: Self
Candidate 1000 word statement
As a business strategist, educator, and global advocate for mental well-being, I have spent the past two decades driving transformational change across borders, boardrooms, and communities. My work as Founder of Corporate Learning Concierge—an organization that helps leaders and teams realign their culture, purpose, and human-centered values—has deepened my understanding of the complex relationship between mental health and the environments in which we live and work.
I am applying to serve on the Board of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) because I believe that mental health is not just a medical or policy issue—it is a cultural and systemic one. And to shift it globally, we need more voices who understand the intersection between culture, leadership, organizational systems, and the human experience. I bring that voice.
Experience in Mental Health Advocacy, Education, and Personal Perspective
My advocacy began not from theory, but from lived experience. I encountered burnout firsthand in the height of my own professional success. The episode, which sent me to the emergency room, was a pivotal wake-up call. As a high-performing woman balancing the demands of entrepreneurship, leadership, and family, I had not realized how deeply disconnected I had become from my own body’s signals.
That experience didn’t just humble me—it changed me. I began to publicly share my story, launching “Rising Above Burnout”, a forthcoming book and movement rooted in five wellness pillars: Nutrition, Breathing, Meditation, Movement, and Rest. These pillars now guide much of my coaching, speaking engagements, and organizational work. I help teams move beyond performative well-being policies into meaningful systemic change.
Professionally, I’ve designed and facilitated executive leadership retreats that intentionally embed mental health awareness, emotional intelligence, and trauma-informed practices. I’ve worked across countries such as Guyana, Jamaica, the Maldives, Canada, Malaysia, and Mexico—always bringing cultural nuance to mental health discourse. Whether guiding Rotarians on peace-building, coaching high-level executives through emotionally charged leadership conflicts, or supporting women leaders in vulnerable communities, I remain committed to advancing empathy, awareness, and resilience.
Why the WFMH Board
The WFMH represents a rare space where global perspectives on mental health converge to inform policy, advocacy, and practice. I see this as an opportunity to bridge the gaps I often encounter between organizational cultures and public health. I want to contribute to broadening WFMH’s impact—particularly in post-colonial, high-stigma environments where mental health is still silenced or misunderstood.
Having worked on projects ranging from suicide awareness murals in Jamaica to corporate workshops on emotional burnout, I am deeply familiar with both grassroots and executive-level strategy. My interest in joining the WFMH Board stems from a genuine desire to be part of a global coalition that is not only breaking stigma but also building forward-thinking systems of mental care, education, and leadership.
Organizational & Board Representation
I currently serve as the Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, a 64-year-old institution with service arms in education, health, and peace. I am also the District Membership Engagement Chair for Rotary District 7020, overseeing 10 Caribbean countries including: Jamaica, Haiti, Cayman Islands, Bahamas, St. Martin, St. Maarten, U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, and Turks & Caicos Islands
In addition, I am a founding member of Women of Western Jamaica (WOWJa), an organization committed to the advancement and empowerment of women across business, philanthropy, and civic leadership. I have served on advisory boards related to education and community impact and collaborated with various NGOs across the Americas and Caribbean.
'While I am currently a WFMH Life member, if chosen I wish to begin this chapter in deep partnership and dedication to the Federation’s mission'' if chosen to serve on its board.
Intended Contributions to WFMH
If elected, I intend to contribute in the following areas:
- Strategic Communications & Storytelling: Bringing in compelling global narratives and storytelling frameworks that elevate voices of lived experience, particularly from underrepresented regions.
- Organizational Development: Supporting WFMH with strategic planning, leadership retreats, and systems alignment to strengthen internal culture and stakeholder engagement.
- Mental Health in Workplaces: Designing frameworks that help employers implement mental health protocols and learning ecosystems grounded in empathy and scientific understanding.
- Global South Perspectives: Amplifying perspectives from the Caribbean, Latin America, and other high-stigma zones that are often missing in mainstream global discourse.
How I Identify in This Role
I identify as a Consumer, Family Member, and Mental Health Advocate/Educator. I bring a lived lens of burnout recovery, the family experience of trauma and mental illness, and the professional skillset of a strategist and trainer in well-being.
Skills I Offer WFMH
- Organizational Culture & Change Strategy
- Public Speaking & Media Communication
- Emotional Intelligence & Leadership Coaching
- Program Development & Facilitation (Board, Executive, and Community levels)
- Cross-Cultural & Intergenerational Mental Health Perspectives
- Lived Experience in Burnout Recovery & Advocacy
Availability & Commitment
I am fully willing and able to attend Board meetings in person, via conference calls, or through ongoing email communications. I understand the demands of board governance and am prepared to commit the necessary time and effort to contribute meaningfully to WFMH’s future.
There are no issues that would prevent my full participation.
In closing, I believe we are at a global tipping point for mental health, and I am ready to serve as part of the solution. I bring not only the credentials and experience—but the heart, humility, and human-first perspective that the next evolution of global mental health leadership will require.
Warmly,
Nerissa J. Persaud
Candidate additional statement if provided