Matisse Hamel-Nelis's bio
Matisse Hamel-Nelis is a passionate professional communicator who strives to help clients create and amplify their brand and conduct goal-oriented social PR with accessibility in mind. By day, she’s the founder of Matisse Nelis Consulting and a professor within Durham College’s Public Relations (graduate certificate) program.
At night, she serves on the Board of IABC/Toronto and is the founder and host of PR& Lattes. An international award-winner, she described herself as a strategic, forward-thinking communicator who advocates for all things inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible within communications. She has designations through the International Association of Accessibility Professionals/a> (IAAP) as a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) and Accessible Documents Specialist (ADS).
When she’s not working or focused on becoming a better professional communicator, Matisse is a:
- Wife and dog mom – She’s married to an Irishman and is the proud dog mom of two Old English Sheepdogs named Agnes and Edith.
- Binge-watcher – She loves binge-watching the latest season of a show. Her go-to shows include, but are not limited to, Bob’s Burgers, Ink Master, Succession, Ted Lasso and Law & Order: SVU.
- Book lover – While the to-be-read list keeps growing, her love of words and immersing herself in a story will never fade. Her favourite book? The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.
- Wannabe Chef – She loves a good cooking show. But what’s better is getting to whip up recipes herself.
- Stationery obsessed – Nothing is better than having the perfect pen and notebook combination with matching highlighters.
- Accessibility and mental health advocate – She’s passionate about changing the status quo when it comes to digital accessibility as well as mental health.
Her must-have caffeinated drink to get her through the workday? A latte or a caramel macchiato.
Articles by Matisse Hamel-Nelis
The Problem with Pretending: What “Corporate Catfishing” Means for PR and Communications
Imagine starting a new job full of excitement, ready to join a workplace that promises creativity, flexibility, and a people-first mindset, only to walk into something completely different. The vibe……
The Top 5 PR Wins and Top 5 PR Fails from April Fools’ Day
April Fools’ Day is a golden opportunity for brands to flex their creative muscles and connect with audiences through humour and surprise. Every year on April 1st, companies big and……
Accessibility in PR and Communications: It’s Time to Walk the Talk
For years, accessibility has been a buzzword in PR and communications. Agencies, brands, and industry leaders have all made commitments to be more inclusive. Statements are issued, diversity and accessibility……
Who to Follow in PR & Comms: Journalists, Publications, and IDEA and Internal Comms Experts (Part 2)
In the first installment of Who to Follow: The Must-Follow People & Organizations for PR & Comms Pros (Part 1), we highlighted some of the most insightful PR pros and……
Who to Follow: The Must-Follow People & Organizations for PR & Comms Pros (Part 1)
Welcome to Part 1 of our five-part series on who you should follow in PR and communications. Let’s face it, our industry is one that’s constantly changing, so staying ahead……
Avoiding Performative Activism this Black History Month
As we enter another Black History Month, we need to take a moment and reflect on our actions and intentions. While it’s crucial to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and……
Is a TikTok Ban Looming? How to Future-Proof Your Social Media and Creator Strategies
TikTok has been the talk of the town for years now; loved by Gen Z, feared by competitors, and a source of endless debate for lawmakers. While its ability to……
Navigating Depression: My Struggles with Bipolar II and Finding My Way Back
It’s taken me a while to find the words for this, and even now, I’m not sure I have the perfect ones. But I’m going to try. For over a……
The Flaws of Flattery: Why Imitation Isn’t Always Admirable
The age-old saying, “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” has been quoted countless times to reassure people that being copied is a compliment. But is it really? Sure, imitation……
A Closer Look at Crisis Communications: The Maple Leaf Foods Listeria Outbreak
This was originally posted on MatisseNelis.com. In August 2008, Maple Leaf Foods, one of Canada’s leading food processing companies, faced a severe crisis. A listeria outbreak linked to its products resulted……
So, you want to start a podcast…
Starting your own podcast might seem like venturing into the wild unknown – a place where only the brave (or tech-savvy) dare to tread. Well, at least that’s how I……
Professional Communicators and the Path to Reconciliation: A Guide to Actioning the 94 Calls
In recent years, the emphasis on reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities has intensified, with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report (TRC) providing a significant roadmap. The 94 Calls to……
The Tylenol Case Study: A Masterclass in Crisis Communications
When we think about crisis communications, few events stand out as starkly as the 1982 Tylenol crisis. A tragedy that could have annihilated a trusted brand instead became a landmark……
Securing Your Dream Placement
The rapidly evolving world of PR offers a dynamic environment where creativity, communication, and strategy meet. For students looking to enter the industry, prepare yourself to walk a path filled……
Mental Health and PR: My journey
Why, hello there! Allow me to introduce myself formally. I’m Matisse Hamel-Nelis, the founder and podcast host of PR & Lattes, and I live with Bipolar Type 2 and Borderline Personality……
Mastering Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing has become a powerful tool for brands to connect with their target audience. By leveraging the reach and influence of social media personalities, businesses can significantly enhance their……
Elevating Inclusivity: Crafting Accessible Social Media Content
Creating inclusive digital content is no longer a courtesy—it’s a responsibility. With the digital world becoming increasingly visual, ensuring everyone can engage with your content, including the estimated 285 million……
Top 10 PR & Marketing Podcasts: A Must-Listen for PR Professionals
Podcasts have quickly become one of the most consumed forms of media, especially among professionals looking to learn on the go. This is particularly true for those in the public……
Shaping the narrative: PR and generative AI
Today, one of the pivotal points of evolution in PR and communications is the realm of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). As a PR professional, understanding and effectively communicating the implications……
A PR deep dive: The Sandoval-Leviss affair fallout on Vanderpump Rules
The unfolding affair between Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss on the popular show Vanderpump Rules provides an interesting case study into reality TV’s public relations world….