Kélicia MASSALA
Intellectual Property Law Professional and Youth Education Advocate
About Kélicia MASSALA
Born in Caen, France, and now based in Montréal, Kélicia Massala builds bridges between intellectual property law, education, and social transformation.
Legal Practice
A graduate of the University of Montréal, she specializes in intellectual property and practices at Lavery Lawyers, where she advises innovators and businesses on protecting, managing, and scaling their ideas through trademarks, patents, and industrial designs.
Editorial work
Her thought leadership extends to her editorial roles at the Fashion Law Journal and as Managing Editor of the Journal of African Fashion Law, Policy & Innovation, published by the Fashion Law Institute Africa.
Her work explores the legal, cultural, and economic dimensions of fashion, creativity, and development in emerging markets.
Social Impact
Deeply committed to youth leadership and gender equity, she founded Girl Up Québec, affiliated with the United Nations Foundation, creating leadership and advocacy opportunities for young women.
She later established Kimani Foundation to expand access to education, leadership development, and opportunity for children and young people across Africa.
RECIPIENT OF THE LEADHER AWARD 2025
Kélicia has been recognized internationally for her work on gender equity. She was a recipient of the Leadher Awards 2025, an award that honors outstanding women who are shaping the future through leadership, advocacy, and innovation.
Hershey’s International Women’s Day Campaign
In 2023, Kélicia was featured in Hershey’s International Women’s Day campaign, celebrating women who are making a difference globally.
Published Articles
July 12, 2025
From Bag to Bank: What the $10 Million Birkin Says About Fashion, Ownership, and Obsession
June 11, 2025
Dupe or Die? How Fashion’s Legal Crackdown Is Rewriting the Rules of Design
September 8, 2025
Tariffs, Trade Wars, and the Future of Fashion: Navigating the Legal Labyrinth in 2025
Purpose in action
Kélicia has worked in various regions, including Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya, where she has led humanitarian missions to support education and empowerment initiatives impacting 550 young girls.
Côte d’Ivoire Mission (July 2023)
In July 2023, Kélicia Massala traveled to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to fully organize and co-host an event in collaboration with Girl Up Côte d’IvoireThe event focused on encouraging young Ivorian girls to pursue STEM careers while introducing them to the role of Intellectual Property (IP) in fostering technological innovation—a key theme in her master’s thesis in law. The event featured discussions with esteemed speakers, including Madame Marie Laure Angoran, Director of American Spaces at the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan, and Madame Nadine Zoro, Director of the DigiFemmes program. Their insights on leadership and digital innovation enriched the conversation and provided valuable mentorship to the participants.
Kenyan Mission (July 2024)
In 2024, Kelicia’s mission in Kenya centered on collaborating with schools and children’s homes to support educational initiatives and mentor young girls. The trip focused on providing mentorship and leadership training to empower girls with the skills needed to pursue leadership roles in their communities, as well as organizing fundraising campaigns to cover school fees for children in local homes, ensuring that underprivileged children had access to quality education.
Rise & Bloom Mission - Côte d'Ivoire (2025)
In July 2025, Kélicia Massala led the Rise & Bloom Mission in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, an educational and leadership initiative organized in collaboration with Girl Up Côte d’Ivoire. The mission brought together young women, students, and emerging leaders for a series of panels and discussions focused on youth leadership, education, women’s empowerment, and social impact.
The program featured influential panelists from civil society, media, and the professional world, creating a space for dialogue, mentorship, and inspiration. The event was covered by Life TV, highlighting its impact and contribution to youth engagement and gender equity in Côte d’Ivoire.
Projects
Kimani Foundation
Founded by Kélicia Massala, Kimani Foundation is her flagship initiative, dedicated to advancing youth education, leadership, and access to opportunity across Africa. The foundation leads field missions, educational programs, and community-based initiatives in partnership with local actors.
Girl Up Québec
Founded in 2020, Girl Up Québec is a UN Foundation–affiliated initiative focused on gender equality through youth leadership, education, and advocacy.
Girl Up Festival
An annual event in Montreal, bringing together young women, leaders, and advocates to discuss leadership, intersectional feminism, and gender equity through panels, workshops, and networking.
Testimonials
Thank you for your feed back, I really appreciate it
Kélicia’s leadership and advocacy have inspired countless young women to take charge of their future. Her work is transforming communities and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Dear Kélicia, Thank you so much for speaking at our 2024 Leadership Forum! We appreciate the thoughtful insights & diverse perspective you brought to the discussion! Your participation means so much to our community of young change mokers! With Gratitude,
I nominate Kélicia Massala for the Perséides Award in recognition of her positive attitude and exemplary adaptability. Kelicia consistently demonstrates a willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities, contributing to the growth of our team. Her open-mindedness and commitment to embracing new challenges are invaluable qualities.
Dear Kélicia, It is with immense pleasure and pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on being selected as a recipient of the esteemed LEADHER Award. Your exceptional dedication to advancing gender equality and empowering girls and women through Girl Up Quebec has not only inspired us but has also made a profound impact on communities worldwide.