91Ö±²¥

Member of The Dean's List, class of 2020

During her time at 91Ö±²¥ University Management School, Nkechi made significant contributions to the inclusivity of the University and its wider community, as well as continuing to strive to reach her own career aspirations.

A community leader

After a year of volunteering with the 91Ö±²¥ based Irise International group, Nkechi joined the Friends of Irise student group as Media Officer. Whilst on the committee she contributed to the group’s fundraising activities including Moonrise, raising £1,000 to combat period poverty in 91Ö±²¥ and worldwide.

Drawing upon her experiences from the third sector and understanding that women, BME people and young people are underrepresented in areas of the working world, Nkechi became a trustee for the Manchester-based organisation, ‘Women Working Worldwide.’

As a Trustee, she contributed to the running of the organisation, working towards the aim of empowering women who work in global value chains, advocating for safe and fair work conditions.

Nkechi also held the roles of BME representative of the Feminist Society, Media Officer and Vice President of the African Affairs network, and Inclusions Officer for the Alternative Economics Society.

Volunteering

Motivated to give back to her local community, Nkechi volunteered with South Yorkshire Housing Association and with the University’s outreach initiatives.

On a project aimed at boosting the South Yorkshire Housing volunteer newsletter, Nkechi used her photography skills to help bring to life an interview series with volunteers, telling their stories of how the city has changed over the years.

In local schools she ran activities such as ‘Maths Champions’ and spoke to school children about her experiences of University life, as well as undertaking a six-week volunteer role in an under-funded school.

Supporting her peers

Realising that her peers could benefit from support in voicing not only academic but wider concerns, Nkechi became an Academic Representative for her Business Management and Economics programme, as well as providing more informal support to help students manage their workload.

She was also Co-Secretary of the Economics Student and Staff Forum, contributing to changes in the syllabus implemented for the 2020-21 academic year.

Having benefitted from taking part in mentorship programmes, Nkechi used her experiences as a mentee to become a successful Student Mentor herself. She mentored new students providing them with support and guidance to help them adapt to University life.

Influencing global change

An inspiring example of Nkechi's contribution to the wider economy and global change is the grassroots campaign she started with RESULTS UK, around issues of international development. In January 2020 she joined ONE as a Youth Ambassador and, as part of the campaign, she travelled to London to speak to MPs about the UK's contribution to international aid and worldwide fair healthcare access.

Career aspirations

Realising the benefits of mentorship from her first-year experience, Nkechi accessed a career mentor in her second year, and by participating in the BME leadership mentoring she was connected to a mentor through The Black Economist Network. All of this gave her a well-rounded insight into industry from different workplaces.

Nkechi developed her specialist skills further by completing two Code First Girls evening courses in computer programming which led to her being offered a graduate role as a Software Engineer.

Throughout her studies Nkechi continued to work as a Freelance Photographer, learning the importance of having a professional image and self-marketing, something she developed through the branding of her website.

After securing her graduate role, Nkechi took the initiative to attend industry conferences, such as ffconf in Brighton, and she extended her knowledge in other areas of interest associated with development and the diplomatic economic service. She attended the LSE State of Nigeria conference, African Woman Diaspora Network events and Youth events for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.