Voices of Resilience

In this episode of Voices of Resilience, host Mary Mosoeunyane sits down with Dr. Wayne Mitchell, Associate Professor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Senior Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London. Dr. Mitchell brings a unique perspective shaped by his own journey from molecular genetics to education and leadership, and his groundbreaking work as co-editor of The Black PhD Experience.Together, Mary and Dr. Mitchell unpack the structural and cultural barriers facing Black students in higher education, exploring how early experiences of bias, underrepresentation, and self-doubt can shape academic journeys. Drawing on history, personal reflection, and research, he examines how systemic inequities, from funding disparities to the absence of role models, continue to limit opportunities for aspiring Black scholars.Dr. Mitchell also offers hope and direction. He highlights the growing network of support groups and initiatives led by Black academics and students, including Black in Neuro, Black in Immunology, and the African Caribbean Research Collective, that are helping to build belonging and resilience across academia.This episode is a candid, energising exploration of what it means to thrive in spaces that weren’t built for you, and a call to institutions to create systems where every student feels seen, supported, and celebrated.Whether you’re an educator, a student, or an advocate for inclusion, this conversation will leave you reflecting on how we can all help reshape academia into a truly equitable space.

In this vital episode of Voices of Resilience, host Mary Mosoeunyane speaks with Mr. Musa Barkeji, Consultant General and Oncoplastic Surgeon at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust and Honorary Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London. With over two decades of experience in breast cancer surgery, Mr. Barkeji sheds light on why cancer outcomes for Black women remain disproportionately poor — and what must change to close the survival gap.Drawing on both research and frontline clinical practice, Musa explains the complex web of factors that contribute to these disparities: from late-stage diagnoses and limited awareness to cultural taboos, mistrust of the healthcare system, and underrepresentation in clinical trials. He speaks candidly about the myths and fears that still surround cancer in Black communities — including the silence that often delays lifesaving treatment — and urges a collective effort to normalise open conversations about breast health.Mary and Musa also explore the transformative role of oncoplastic surgery — a field that combines cancer treatment with reconstructive techniques to preserve body image and confidence. He offers powerful insights into how culturally sensitive outreach, community engagement through churches and grassroots groups, and earlier screening could dramatically improve outcomes for Black women.This episode is both educational and urgent — a call to action for awareness, early detection, and compassion in cancer care. As Musa reminds us, “Breast cancer is real — but survival depends on how soon we act.”

In this powerful episode of Voices of Resilience, host Mary Mosoeunyane speaks with Sheena Johnson, a transformational coach, specialist nurse, and founder of Priority to Wellness. Drawing from over two decades in healthcare, Sheena opens up about her journey through professional burnout, personal grief, and rediscovering purpose beyond the demands of caregiving.Sheena’s story begins in Jamaica and unfolds in the UK’s healthcare system, where she witnessed first-hand how Black women and nurses often carry invisible burdens. The expectation to stay strong, silent, and self-sacrificing, even at the expense of their own wellbeing. In conversation with Mary, she unpacks the cultural and systemic roots of the “strong Black woman” ideal, revealing how it can both inspire and harm. Together, they explore how silence in the workplace acts as a hidden pathogen, one that erodes confidence, health, and belonging.Through her signature TrackU framework, Sheena offers practical tools for self-reflection, rest, and empowerment, showing that true resilience isn’t about pushing through pain, but about pausing, healing, and reclaiming joy. This heartfelt dialogue reminds us that wellness is not selfish. It’s essential.Tune in for an honest and restorative conversation that challenges stereotypes, celebrates vulnerability, and champions a new definition of strength for women everywhere.

In this powerful episode of Voices of Resilience, host Mary Mosoeunyane speaks with Cedi Frederick, Chair of the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board and a lifelong advocate for equity across housing, social care, and health.Born to parents of the Windrush generation, Cedi reflects on how service, faith, and perseverance shaped his journey from a childhood in 1950s South London to leading major NHS reforms today. He unpacks the deep connections between housing, education, and health, what he calls the wider determinants of wellbeing, and why trust remains the foundation for change.Together, Mary and Cedi explore the lessons of COVID-19, the structural barriers that persist for Black communities, and the urgent need for culturally aware leadership. This is a conversation about legacy, accountability, and hope for a health system that serves every community with fairness and respect.

Welcome to Voices of Resilience, where senior lecturer, researcher, and advocate MaryMosoeunyane takes you on a journey through the lived experiences of Black andethnic minority individuals in the UK, with a sharp focus on healthcare andeducation. With decades of expertise in biosciences, positive psychology, anddiversity advocacy, Mary brings a unique and deeply human perspective to someof the most pressing issues of our time.This podcast explores stories of resilience, progress, and contribution whileshining a light on the systemic challenges and inequalities that persist. Eachepisode amplifies the voices of those who have been minoritised, offeringeducational insights and inspiring narratives that challenge the status quo.Whether you’re an educator, healthcare professional, or someone eager to learn,Voices of Resilience will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to join thedialogue for a more inclusive and equitable future.Tune in to uncover the power of storytelling and the transformative potential ofunderstanding and advocacy.