This week, we are proud to celebrate Mavreen Ncube – psychotherapist, mental health advocate, trade union leader, and passionate champion for the wellbeing and rights of Black and migrant communities. Mavreen has dedicated her career to supporting people experiencing some of life's most difficult challenges. As a psychotherapist working within the NHS and in private practice, she provides compassionate support to individuals living with complex mental health conditions, inclu

This week, we are delighted to celebrate Elizabeth Sunduzwayo – founder of New Hope North East, community advocate, and passionate champion for children with disabilities, family empowerment, and inclusive communities. Elizabeth's journey into community leadership was shaped by personal experience. As the parent of a child with special educational needs and disabilities, she recognised the challenges many families face when trying to access the right support, services, and op

This week, we proudly shine a spotlight on Shamiso Chikosha-Dirahu, a woman whose life and leadership reflect courage, resilience, enterprise and a deep commitment to helping women rise. Shamiso’s journey is a powerful story of transformation. From arriving in the UK as an asylum seeker, becoming a refugee, and later building a new life as a UK citizen, she has turned personal challenge into purpose. Her lived experience has strengthened her passion for women’s aspirations, e

This week, WEWN proudly celebrates Rachael Nyazuwa, a passionate community champion whose work reflects our mission to support, connect, and empower women across the North East as they build confident, fulfilling lives in the UK. Professionally, Rachael works as an Advanced Social Work Practitioner, but her impact reaches far beyond formal roles. She is one of the leaders of an informal network of more than 300 Zimbabwean women, offering trusted support to women across the No

Closing Spotlight: Professor Adebola Oketola-Adeyi As we close this week’s showcase, we proudly celebrate the remarkable work and impact of Professor Adebola Oketola-Adeyi. Over the past week, we have highlighted her dedication to education, mentorship and empowerment, and today we honor the lasting difference she continues to make through her work. Professor Adebola’s journey as an academic, STEM educator, mentor and founder reflects excellence, leadership and service. Thro

This week, we are proud to spotlight Professor Adebola Oketola-Adeyi, an inspiring participant in our Engage and Excel programme, which is aimed at supporting women into enterprise and economic engagement in the North East. Her journey reflects the heart of this theme by combining meaningful community engagement with a strong commitment to excellence, leadership and opportunity. Professor Adebola Oketola-Adeyi is a Professor of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, a Fellow