Black Lives Matter success stories
As a university our success runs in our people, and we have lots to share, success stories of students, staff, and professional within the LJMU community.
Explore here to discover a few of these success stories, we will be adding more as receive contributions and as the university continues to grow.
Dominique Walker
A Senior lecturer within our School of Justice Studies and Chair of the Anthony Walker Foundation, Dominique started her undergraduate studies at LJMU and her recent work #Black in the Ivory has been an inspiring and sell out project.
Rio Boothe
LJMU Sport Business graduate has been mentioned in the Liverpool Echo's 30 Under 30 campaign for 2024, the student-athlete who is originally from Manchester, was recognised for his remarkable achievements as a para-athlete and his work and positive impact on the community. Check out Rio’s Instagram @rioboothe for more.
Dr Denise Lee
Programme Leader and Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, is leading on the Lean in Construction for Gender Equality, an amazing project working to toward inclusivity in the engineering community.
Ashleigh Nugent
The first black male writer from Liverpool to have a traditional book deal in his genre. Also, a LJMU English graduate wrote debut novel ‘LOCKS’ now having secured a TV deal for his novel.
Chantelle Lunt
The founder and chair of Merseyside Alliance for Racial Equality CIC (MARE), a non-profit organisation committed to promoting racial equality across Merseyside through grassroots, community-led education and engagement work. Chantelle is researching for her PhD with us and is a Graduate Tutor with our School of Education. Chantelle is also Halewood’s deputy Mayor and, in May this year, became the first Black woman to be elected to Knowsley Metropolitan Brough Council.
Victory Onephrojire
Grew up in Delta state, Nigeria and moved to Liverpool for her masters. She has thrived here, chosen as one of 18 people from her department to travel to Prague and use her studies first hand. Victory believes that studying in a different country, though daunting at first while trying to adjust to a new environment, culture and studies, can be an advantageous move.
Ian Yee
An award-winning investigative journalist with a focus on social justice issues. The press freedom he experienced in the UK during his time as an international student at LJMU helped shape his decision to pursue impact-driven investigative work.
Dr Pooja Saini
A Reader in Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention in the School of Psychology. For Pooja, academia is not about ivory towers but rather, engaging with the public, working in communities to find out what they need and how knowledge and expertise can help.
Prof Dhiya Al-Jumeily OBE
After completing his masters and PhD here, he became staff here and completed many years of research and has supervised over 25 PhD students. Professor Al-Jumeily firmly believes this technology-driven approach could address pollution challenges, enhance access to food and clean water, combat non-communicable diseases, provide sustainable energy solutions, and boost the national economy. It is for his innovative ideas like this in Iraq that he was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen in 2020, acknowledging his outstanding services to scientific research over many decades, and particularly to the field of AI.
Ebenezer Banahene
A senior lecturer in adult nursing with our School of Nursing and Advanced Practice. He was recognised by the Royal College of Nursing in 2023 for his work in developing a pathway at LJMU for overseas-trained nurses, who are displaced from their home countries, to obtain registration in the UK and to work for the NHS.
Prof Amos Fatokun
His research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of diseases like neurodegeneration and cancers, using advanced methodologies in pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. He collaborates with colleagues in the UK, Finland, South Africa, and Nigeria, and is passionate about leading research capacity building initiatives in developing countries, delivering impactful lectures and seminars across the world.
Ngunan Adamu
Ngunan is a well-known scouse voice across the city, and across Europe. After studying Journalism at LJMU has gone onto amazing work in the broadcasting industry. Not only is she a successful broadcaster, presenter and producer, Ngunan is the CEO and Founder of iWoman.
Sacha Ogosi
An inspiring alumna, who over her three years of study fully embraced everything that the university had to offer, including the chance to travel abroad. Sacha graduated in 2020, and despite still only being in her early twenties, she is thriving in her career. Working at the London School of Economics and Political Science in research.
Moni Akinsanya
Moni joined LJMU in 2007 as an Equality and Diversity Officer. Having lived in Liverpool for over 30 years she saw the role at the university as a new opportunity and challenge. Moni says “I regard myself as an activist. Diversity and Inclusion for me presents an opportunity to advocate for social justice, equity and inclusivity, addressing the needs of marginalised communities and driving positive change”.
Dr Olatunde Durowoju
A Reader in Education Management and the Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion for the Faculty of Business and Law. His research interests include operations and supply chain management, inclusive practices, education management. Born and raised in Nigeria, he says that the power of education has absolutely been the defining factor in his pursuit of a career in academia. He wants everyone to be BETTER (Be Effective, Transform Thoughts, Extend Reach).
With so many more people and stories and not enough space to share them all, you can find out more on the Our People webpage.