Ms Jessica Merrick

Ms Jessica Merrick

  • Biography/ Background

    I’m a freelance consultant, facilitator and accredited organisational coach working at the intersection of leadership, inclusion and systemic accountability. With deep expertise in higher education, psychosocial safety and diversity and inclusion, I partner with organisations to build cultures of integrity, safety and genuine belonging.

    I specialise in designing and delivering bespoke learning experiences that are evidence-based, context-specific, and designed to catalyse real change. Some programs I’ve developed and facilitated include:
    • identifying and mitigating psychosocial hazards (WHS Code of Practice)
    • preventing sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination (Respect@Work & Positive Duty)
    • preventing and responding to gender-based violence (National Higher Education Code)

    My approach is informed by both research and lived experience, shaped by years of working across sectors— from higher education leadership to consulting in both Big Four and boutique firms. I’ve led teams of over 100, supported cohorts of 12,000+ students, and taught thousands more in programs ranging from gender studies to MBAs.

  • Qualifications

    MA Sociology, University of South Florida, 2010

    Postgraduate Diploma Women's and Gender Studies, University of South Florida, 2008

    BA International Affairs, Florida State University, 2006

    Level 2 Organisational Coach, IECL, 2019

    Cert IV Human Resources, AHRI , 2021

    Cert IV Training & Assessment, AITT, 2024

  • Teaching Interests

    • Sociology
    • Organisational behaviour
    • Gender
    Courses taught:
    • COS 101 Introduction to Sociology & Anthropology
    • COS 201 Individuals, Groups & Communities: Theory & Practice
    • COS 205 Professional Practice
    • MCR 002 Organisational Behaviour
    • MCRIT 010 Innovation & Commericalisation in IT
    • GWSI 1001 Social Sciences in Australia
    • POLI 1014 Global Societies
    • SYG 2000 Introduction to Sociology
    • SYG 2010 Contemporary Social Problems
    • WST 3370 Women in Social Action
    • WST 2600 Human Sexual Behaviour
    • AMS 1363 First Year Experience

  • Publications

    A content analysis of oral health messages in Australian mass media

    Reducing disease burden and health inequalities arising from chronic disease among Indigenous children: an early childhood caries intervention

    Comparative Study of Intentional Communities

  • Professional Associations

    AHRI

  • Community Engagement

    Mentor, Pinnacle Foundation (current)

    Member Board of Trustees, Aotearoa Youth Leadership Institute (2017-2018)

  • Files

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Entry last updated: Tuesday, 3 Jun 2025