Announcing Change of Leadership
- News
After 14 and a half years, it’s time for us to step back.
We believe that part of good leadership is knowing when to reflect and when to rest. We’ve reached that point. Burnout is real, and after pouring so much of ourselves into Proud2Be, we know it’s time to take a step aside.
We are so proud of what we’ve achieved together: from an idea dreamed up in our mum’s spare bedroom, to the well-respected organisation Proud2Be is today. Along the way, we’ve navigated austerity, reduced funding, a global pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis, and rising hostility from those in power towards our community. And yet, through it all, we’ve witnessed the very best of humanity – people coming together to support, uplift, and empower one another. Those memories will stay with us forever.
We know Proud2Be will continue to thrive under new leadership for as long as people need it.
We are delighted to announce that, after a thorough internal recruitment process, Mel Saint has been appointed as Proud2Be’s new CEO, starting 27th October 2025!
Mel has been part of the Proud2Be family for 5 years – first attending our Social Saturday in Totnes with her family, then volunteering as a 121 support volunteer, and later as a youth group volunteer. She went on to become our Youth Services Coordinator, rebuilding and strengthening youth services post-lockdown, before stepping into the role of Head of Services.
Throughout her time with Proud2Be, Mel has shown incredible passion, dedication, and resourcefulness. Whether finding a new hub in Torbay, sourcing furniture and decorating on a shoestring, or fiercely protecting and championing everything Proud2Be stands for, Mel has always gone above and beyond.
As we step back, we do so with complete faith that under Mel’s leadership – and with the continued support of our amazing team – Proud2Be will go from strength to strength.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to everyone who has supported us and Proud2Be over the years.
Love & Solidarity,
Max & Maya 🧡 🧡
