Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion
Ruby Jackson Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
As a student midwife Ruby Jackson was troubled by the disparities in maternity care and wanted to do something about it. During her third year she thought of the idea for an app called "Melanatal" as part of her dissertatiion project. "Melanatal" is now being built and is an educational tool aimed to improve representation and inclusion of Black and brown mothers and babie in maternal and neonatal education. The app incorporates medical illustrations paired with written information and direct in-app signposting to related resources of support. Melanatal hopes to ensure more targeted inclusive and timely care is provided.
Daud Malida University of Leicester
Daud is a nursing student who has made significant contributions to diversity and inclusion in healthcare education. They founded the Global Ethnic Majority Healthcare Professionals Network, providing support and allyship for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Daud is also the first student nurse to represent nursing in Medicine Calling, inspiring young people from widening participation groups to pursue psychiatry careers. They actively visit local schools to encourage nursing careers and serve as the Nursing Course Student Lead on the EDI Committee, championing inclusive curricula and initiatives like Culture Days and the Racial Inclusion Charter.
Natalie Mulley University of Salford
Nat is an Adult Student Nurse. Nat is deaf. You may pause at this point to consider how this might impact on the ability of a nurse to navigate clinical duties and deliver patient safe care. Nat is already ahead of you, making it happen, leading reform across academia and clinical practice to ensure that were there weren’t processes in place to support deaf/Deafened students/student nurses/patients that there now are. Nat uses her hearing loss as motivation to overcome obstacles and trailblaze – enabling and equipping others with the support they need and reducing barriers to inequality.
Oluchi Oroafor University of Salford
Oluchi Okoroafor is a dedicated nursing student at the University of Salford, recognized for her leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to supporting peers. As the 2024 Student Nurse Champion, she played a key role in organizing the Netherlands Nursing Students Week, fostering cross-cultural exchange and delivering lectures on UK nursing practices. Oluchi co-founded the Student Wellbeing and Academic Buddy System (SWAB) to support fellow nursing students and has been commended for her leadership, teamwork, and teaching skills. Passionate about cultural competency and compassionate care, Oluchi continues to inspire those around her through her dedication to nursing education and practice.
Lyndon Pillar University of Salford
Lyndon Pillar is an exemplary candidate for the Mary Seacole Award, embodying diversity, inclusion, and advocacy. A second-year nursing associate student at the University of Salford and LGBT+ Staff Network Chair at Pennine Care Foundation Trust, Lyndon has transformed spaces into welcoming, supportive environments for marginalized voices. His leadership, compassionate care, and curriculum innovations promote equity in healthcare and education. Notably, he supports peers, advocates for systemic change, and champions LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Lyndon’s dedication inspires students, colleagues, and patients, making him a deserving nominee for this prestigious recognition.
Maria Sierra University of Wolverhampton
Year 3 Adult Student Nurse.