Ifeoma Dan-Ogosi

Developing my career

I worked on the Well London programme as a research assistant, supporting the evaluation of a multicomponent intervention to improve healthy eating, physical activity and mental wellbeing. I also worked at the Institute for Health and Human Development (IHHD) on numerous community development projects, including the service mapping and evaluation of Waltham Forest's Heart in the Community project and the development of the Crick Living Centre. 

I've developed my career by intentionally pursuing a PhD in Public Health, focusing on the impact of participatory budgeting for improving health and wellbeing. My study showed that small grant-making programmes involving residents responded directly to residents' health and social care needs beyond the funding tenure.

I became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2019 and a Senior Fellow in September 2022, confirming my commitment to learner experiences. To strengthen my understanding of methodologies and teaching practice I took several short courses, including the Advanced Course in Epidemiological Analysis at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Others have invested in me by showing confidence in my abilities and providing opportunities for me to learn and grow through my teaching and research work. I have been lucky to have had several mentors and allies, including my PhD supervisors and colleagues, who helped me thrive as my cheerleaders. 

Challenges in academia

The challenges I have surmounted in my academic journey are typical of any black female academic. There are the usual numerous barriers to entry, promotion and advancement. These range from microaggressions, stereotyping, gatekeeping, institutional racism, sexism and discrimination, to a lack of access to tools, information or resources and the right sorts of mentorship to help me progress.

Attending the 100 Black Women Professors NOW programme

The main highlight of 100 BWPN is the wealth of support available to empower Black female academics. As a positive action programme, it brings together massive amounts of resources and tools that build you up.

It allowed me to write down my career plan for the first time — a SMART one at that. It opens your eyes to possibilities beyond belief. I experienced a lot of love and support from UWE Bristol management, which I have never seen anywhere else I have worked. The positive energy at the University and in the wider programme was electric and extremely empowering.

My advice to colleagues

Useful advice: never to die in silence. Speak up, say no, and explain why clearly.

Pursue your dream in academia; no one can stop you except yourself.

Seek help, seek mentorship. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it. UWE Bristol has a wealth of resources and very kind giants with the Ubuntu philosophy on whose shoulders you can climb to the top.

Know yourself! Be yourself and don't let anyone tell you who you are.

Above all, watch out for your health and wellbeing: self-care, very important! We are stronger together by celebrating diversity, learning about others, being open to experience and being agreeable.

Read the full version of Ifeoma's interview at 100 Black Women Professors NOW (login required).