Voices of Resilience

In this insightful and action-focused episode of Voices of Resilience, host Mary Mosoeunyane speaks with Professor Damien Page, Vice Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, whose career spans decades of work in education, leadership, and social justice. From his beginnings as a working-class student who nearly dropped out of university to leading one of the UK’s most inclusive higher education institutions, Professor Page’s journey is both personal and political — a testament to persistence, purpose, and progress.

Together, Mary and Professor Page unpack what true inclusion looks like in higher education today. He reflects on the structural barrie...

In this episode of Voices of Resilience, host Mary Mosoeunyane is joined by Professor Adetoro Adeyemi Adegoke, a global health expert and Director of the Centre for Excellence in Health Inequalities at Buckinghamshire New University. Drawing on decades of experience in Africa, Asia, and Europe, Professor Adegoke sheds light on one of the UK’s most overlooked public health issues: the invisibility of Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showmen and Boater communities in healthcare research, policy, and services.

Their conversation unpacks the uncomfortable truth behind invisibility, not as coincidence, but as consequence. Professor Adegoke explains how systemic neglect, data ga...

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of Voices of Resilience, host Mary Mosoeunyane speaks with Adam Vasco, Director of Student Success at the University of Wolverhampton and a national leader in diversity, inclusion, and educational change. Drawing on his dual Nigerian and Scouse heritage, Adam shares a personal and professional journey defined by identity, authenticity, and the courage to challenge systems from within.

From growing up as one of only a handful of Black and mixed-heritage pupils in Liverpool to leading institutional transformation in higher education, Adam reflects on what it means to belong in spaces not...

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...

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 ta...

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...

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...

Welcome to Voices of Resilience, where senior lecturer, researcher, and advocate Mary

Mosoeunyane takes you on a journey through the lived experiences of Black and

ethnic minority individuals in the UK, with a sharp focus on healthcare and

education. With decades of expertise in biosciences, positive psychology, and

diversity advocacy, Mary brings a unique and deeply human perspective to some

of the most pressing issues of our time.

This podcast explores stories of resilience, progress, and contribution while

shining a light on the systemic challenges...