Gwendoline Akpulonu | Medical Student | University of Glasgow
I am a fourth year medical student, with strong ambitions to serve the most vulnerable groups in society, and provide an excellent standard of patient care.
Within medicine, I have undertaken research projects in women’s health, particularly obstetrics and gynaecology.
Alongside my degree, I have interests across multiple domains.
Whilst at secondary school, I was the founder and editor-in-chief of my school’s first medical journal, and was a president for both the Medical and Cultural Awareness Societies.
Currently, I am the Vice President of the University of Glasgow`s Afro-Caribbean Society. By planning and marketing various events, we have created an engaging environment for networking and cultural expression within Glasgow’s Black student community. Moreover, as a FutureDoc mentor, I contribute to widening access efforts and diversity in medical school admissions.
In addition, I am a Director for FreshEfied. FreshEfied is a social enterprise that focuses on the edification, evolution and education of Black students and young professionals in the UK. This is achieved through our Scholarships Hub, networking events and our student podcast, Fresh Dscvries.
I co-founded ”The Unveiled” bible study, debate and discussion group. With the central vision to encourage self-development, we mentor the youth at my local church. We have plans to expand this work through community outreach initiatives.
Hannah Okechukwu | Director of Welfare | In2MedSchool
Hannah is a final-year medical student at Imperial College London with a strong interest in paediatrics and public health.
Throughout university, Hannah has demonstrated a strong commitment to voluntary work. In her second year, as part of her university’s Raising and Giving Society, she helped raise >£30,000 for charity and organised community outreach events. As a member of her Paediatrics society ”PlayTeam”, she volunteered with hospitalised children, later becoming “Volunteer Co-ordinator” and “PlayTeam Co-Chair” to support the society`s work.
During the pandemic, she joined a team of London medical students to organise a virtual paediatrics teaching series to facilitate the learning of students in response to COVID disruptions. Later on, as part of Right to Play society, she organised events raising >£11,000 for charity.
In her fifth year, she worked with medical school faculty to analyse exposure to inappropriate behaviours on clinical placements, and develop resources to manage challenging situations. As UH MedGroup Communications Officer she created social media content for a campaign promoting student safety following an increase in spiking incidents. In her final year, she organised an event promoting blood donations amongst university students, with >100 attendees.
For over three years, Hannah has acted as Director of Welfare for the Widening participation initiative “In2MedSchool” aimed at supporting aspiring medical students from disadvantaged backgrounds. In her role, she has managed a small team to protect the welfare of thousands of mentees and volunteers through creating safeguarding courses, developing policies, and arranging talks covering key topics to promote general wellbeing.
Lorna Archer | Transformation Coach & Holistic Wellbeing Therapist | Wellbeing Well YOU
I am a Transformation Coach & Holistic Wellbeing Therapist, providing solution-driven results focused on self-care transformation for the busy, professional woman to help them prevent and overcome burnout & stress, bringing balance to their life. I also am a qualified & accredited Massage Therapist and Meditation Teacher.
Wellbeing Well YOU is a specialised, holistic wellness brand that offers bespoke, comprehensive and boutique-style services, workshops and retreats.
I empower women to embrace self authentically using my E.A.S.E methodology, identify what`s getting in their way, gain clarity & thrive mindfully & mentally. Focusing on self-care strategies & principles that encompass the mind, body, and soul, which allows them to take a holistic approach to their wellbeing and helps them to transform & succeed in their personal and professional life.
Prior to taking a leap of faith in myself as an Entrepreneur/Businesswoman, I was in the Corporate world (Financial services) for approx. 32 years serving in different roles, starting as an Admin Assistant, working my way up to Middle Management, managing teams.
I was that busy, professional woman who was serving everyone and forgetting myself in the process, vowing that one day I would set up a wellness platform for women, like myself, where they value themselves whilst making their wellbeing a priority.
Leah Brooks | Medical Student | University of sheffield
Leah is a final year medical student at the University of Sheffield.
Alongside her studies she is the Chief Operating Officer of Future Frontline a not-for-profit aiming to support and inspire current and future healthcare students and professionals. In this role she manages a team of over 30 volunteers, assists in providing free events, webinars and resources for their audience free of charge.
She is also the Lead Student Advisor at UniTasterDaysltd providing insight into medicine on TheUniGuide podcast, including her own journey into medicine and how to choose the right university for you.
Leah was state educated from one of the lowest 10% socio-economic areas in the UK and took part in a widening participation scheme to apply to medical school, and now advocates for widening participation into university.
In 2019 Leah was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder and depression and in 2021 had to take a year out of medical school for mental ill health. Since then Leah has created a social media platform (@wellnessmedic) where she has discussed her journey with mental illness, and her life in medical school. She discusses medical school with anxiety and depression and gives a raw insight into her journey and any struggles, whilst encouraging others to always prioritise their mental health. She has since spoken on multiple podcasts on this topic, been interviewed for UCASlive! on being a medical student with anxiety and depression, as well as being interviewed by Yahoo!`s built by girls column and the Chronicle and Echo.
Naabil Khan | Medical Student | Skin For All
Naabil Khan is a third year medical student studying at the University of Exeter.
As well as completing a medical degree, she is a podcast host of the show Very Junior Doctors, the creator of the website, Skin For All, founder of the newsletter Future Dr and activist for representation and diversity in healthcare and medical education. Her impact is based on diversifying the medical curriculum, public involvement in medicine and ensuring that the conversation surrounding representation and diversity in medicine continues to be had and impactful results are witnessed.
Marjani Orchery | Dentist and Medical Doctor | SMILEquity
I am Dr Marjani Orchery, a dual-qualified medical doctor and dentist. I am also the founder of SMILEquity- an organisation delivering oral health education.
With over a decade of clinical experience, I am dedicated to reducing healthcare education gaps and leading community-based initiatives. My unique academic background, combined with a commitment to health equity, distinguishes my holistic approach to health. Additionally, my further training in medical anthropology contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the wider socio-cultural context of health and illness.
At SMILEquity, my focus is to deliver accessible, preventative health education for all, irrespective of socio-economic background. Notably, I previously created an oral hygiene programme for inpatients in a psychiatric hospital. This highlighted the interconnectedness of oral, physical, and mental well-being. Leveraging social media platforms, webinars and community-based teaching, I advocate for positive change in healthcare inequalities.
In addition to my clinical work, I`ve contributed articles to NHS Forest, addressing the vital link between green spaces and health inequalities. Collaborative practice forms the cornerstone of my practice, as evidenced by my role as a delegate to the UN Women UK Commission on the Status of Women 2024 and my ongoing commitment to mentoring students.
My journey reflects a steadfast dedication to holistic healthcare, community empowerment, and health equity. These values underscore my mission to make a positive impact in the healthcare landscape.
Georgia Cocks | EA to the Co-Founders | Wellity Global
Georgia is a dynamic professional with a rich background in operations and marketing. Opting not to pursue university, she made a proactive decision to dive headfirst into her career, seeking opportunities to gain practical experience and carve a path towards professional success.
Her journey began in the marketing industry, where she exemplified strategic expertise and meticulous project management. Georgia`s passion for organisation seamlessly transitioned her into an account management role, where she adeptly juggled client communication and team coordination, consistently delivering results and exceeding expectations.
Recognising her aptitude for organisational excellence, she self-funded a PA course in London which culminated in her achieving a distinction. Following her achievement, she then transitioned into her dream role at Wellity Global.
Initially starting as a PA supporting the Co-Founders, she quickly became indispensable to the organisation`s daily operations. She seamlessly coordinated schedules, orchestrated complex training arrangements, and liaised with key stakeholders. Her colleagues began to rely on her as the linchpin of the business, often referring to her as ”the glue that holds the business together.”
Georgia went on to spearhead the operations department, manage an entire office relocation, co-ordinate complex training programmes and lead a company rebrand initiative. After an initial promotion to Executive Assistant, Georgia now serves as the Head of Operations, overseeing the seamless execution of all aspects of the business.
With a keen eye for efficiency and a knack for problem-solving, she continues to drive revenue growth, expand global operations, lead marketing efforts and demonstrate exemplary organisational skills.
Julie Hammond | Portfolio GP | Advanced Medical Aesthetics Practitioner | NHS | Dr Hammond Aesthetics
Dr Hammond is an NHS GP specialising in women's health, family planning, mental health and aesthetic medicine.
She is based in Kent and is a passionate advocate for health equity. Dr Hammond has worked to raise awareness to support the health of the Afro-Caribbean community and reduce the gap in health inequalities experienced by this community as a Steering Group Member for the London Inspire Programme. To further her mission to narrow healthcare inequalities and ensure equitable healthcare, Dr Hammond is a Health Governor for the Kent Community NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Clinical Entrepreneur, Core 20 Ambassador for NHS England, BMA EDI Advisory Group Member, North Kent Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership member, member of the Wellbeing of Women’s Health Collective and the Kent and Medway LMNS Equity and Equality Oversight Group, Trustee of West Kent Mind and co-chair of diversity, equity and inclusion subgroup, Director of Events of Black Female Doctors UK and a UN Women UK delegate.
Dr Hammond is currently working with the Kent and Medway ICB to improve access to and reduce inequalities in maternity care for women and birthing people from marginalised communities.
She has also collaborated with NHS England and several grassroots organisations as part of public health promotion campaigns, including Black Women Rising, CoppaFeel!, The Motherhood Group, The Essential Baby Company, Dope Black Dads and MumsPride. In 2023, she was selected as a GEMS Recipient recognising emerging health and social care leaders from minoritised backgrounds who are making a difference in the sector.
Caitlin McEniry | Continuous Improvement Consultant | Zurich Insurance
I started working in insurance straight out of university and found myself in a world where I could use my logical brain to help the company make good underwriting decisions whilst building relationships with my customers/brokers.
In my mid-twenties I decided to make a big change, I sold my house & belongings, packed two suitcases and flew myself (and my dog) to England for a new adventure.
I began underwriting for a company that was fairly small and allowed me the capacity to start a family, when I was 7 months pregnant with my second I decided it was time to take charge of my career and make a change.
I got a role at Zurich who were happy to wait my maternity leave and work part time. During the pandemic my husband was put at risk of redundancy so I worked with my line manager to give me full time hours but be flexible.
Eventually I wanted a new challenge and found myself drawn to operations and the Continuous Improvement team where they drive real changes and benefits for employees.
Now nearly 2 years on I have grown not only in my career but my confidence and skills surrounded by such a supportive team. The encouragement from my colleagues has given me the belief that I can do whatever I set my mind to and they give me tools that are needed in this industry.
Dr Sania Shahbaz Hasnain | Technical Product Manager | Salaso
I am a physician by background with an MD in Hospital Administration with 7 years of experience in health tech.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working at the intersection of healthcare and technology, witnessing the transformative power of digital solutions in improving patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
My experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the digital health landscape.
My professional journey in the healthcare field has been marked by a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and driving transformative change through innovation. My experiences have honed my ability to lead and collaborate effectively in demanding healthcare environments while upholding the core values of healthcare.
I bring a wealth of experience at senior clinical leadership levels in medical management, with a strong emphasis on retaining a meaningful clinical and research profile. I have constantly kept abreast with the latest development in healthcare research and have published 8 articles in my area of expertise and will continue to upskill with new information and knowledge to contribute towards patient care.
I regularly mentor product managers to help them hone their skills and excel in their field. I do this in an attempt to give back to the community and help individuals as I believe we never grow in isolation and it takes a community to exalt a person. By sharing my experience and insights, I aim to foster a collaborative environment where we all grow together.