Founder
Tomi Akingbade
Tomi is a Neurochemistry PhD student at the University of Cambridge studying the mechanisms of inflammation caused by aggregates in Alzheimer’s disease. She advocates for equality and representation in the scientific industry and works toward giving Black women the platform to connect and further their careers with the resources they need. You can read more about why she started the Black Women in Science Network in A Message from Our Founder.
Administrator
Samantha Davidson
Samantha is a Translational Neuroscience graduate with an interest in understanding the mechanisms of disease to facilitate treatments. She aims to support the team behind the scenes, encouraging the pursuit of diversity in STEM. Outside of science, she enjoys feeding her more adventurous side.
Business and accounts manager
Irene Gyamfi
Irene holds a PhD in Cell Biology and has over four years of experience in clinical research. Passionate about empowering Black women in science, she is committed to providing tools and encouragement for Black women to thrive in their careers and achieve their academic and professional milestones.
Blog writers
Esther Ansah
Esther is an MSci Natural Sciences and MSc Psychology Graduate currently working in Quality Improvement for Adult Learning Disability and Community Mental Health Services. She has many passions, including hiking, languages, looking after her plants, reading, knitting, crochet, music, film and photography. She is also interested in science communication and, through the Black Women in Science Network, hopes to encourage others to revel in the creativity within science.
Vanessa Ankude
Vanessa holds an MSc in Molecular Genetics & Diagnostics and is currently studying a PhD in Immunology & Immunotherapy. Her research focuses on diagnostic tests and how they can be used to improve patients’ experiences in healthcare. As a blog writer, she hopes to inspire readers to find connections between science and everyday life, and to encourage Black women to get interested in different types of science. In her spare time she loves vintage shopping, reading and playing the violin.
Events manager
Juliana Eniraiyetan
Juliana earned a Research Masters in Pharmaceutical Analysis in 2019, and after starting her career within the pharma industry, Juliana has pivoted her career with a focus on Data & Analytics. She has hopes to use data to drive positive outcomes in services towards public health and wellbeing. Juliana is also passionate about visibility within the sciences, and especially makes time to empower young women in the earlier phases of their career to thrive in their forged paths.
Outreach and engagement officers
Nicole Kyei
Profile updated soon.
Obor Ogbevire
Obor is a Biochemistry graduate from the University of Manchester, currently working in the pharmaceutical industry. She has a broad range of scientific interests and is particularly passionate about leveraging science as a tool for sustainable innovation to address neglected diseases and global challenges. She is also deeply interested in issues of gender and racial inequality. In her free time, she enjoys singing, music, drawing, and exploring new experiences. She aspires to enhance science outreach by promoting education on the limitless possibilities of scientific discovery, advocating for increased diversity in STEM, including with collaborators
Podcast host and editor
Tulela Pea
Tulela is a MSc graduate in Forensic and Investigative Psychology. Currently based in police custody supporting vulnerable people in the justice system, she has specialist interests in mental health in criminal contexts, criminal exploitation, domestic abuse, social interventions and prevention strategies. Tulela serves as the podcast host and has done so for over 3 years. The podcast aims to amplify the voices of Black women and advocate for their stories. As such, Tulela facilitates and promotes conversations that focus on Black women’s needs, experiences, and challenges, particularly within the science industry and society as a whole. Tulela manages the podcast through interviewing, editing and posting regular content for the show.
Social media managers
Mariam M’Bengue
Mariama (she/her) earned a degree in Medical Biology from the University of Duisburg-Essen (Germany) and is currently pursuing a PhD in cancer biology at Cardiff University. Beyond the laboratory, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse landscapes and cities in the UK. As a social media manager at the BWIS network, she fosters connections and meaningful discussions within our online community.
Sandrine Hakkizaimana
Sandrine is a Physician Associate who holds a BSc in Clinical Sciences, an MSc in Physician Associate Studies and is currently pursuing an MSc in Health Data Science. Sandrine is passionate about healthcare and leveraging data and technology to drive better health outcomes. She is also committed to empowering and inspiring Black women to pursue careers in STEM. As Social Media Manager at the BWIS Network, she fosters community engagement and meaningful conversations while spotlighting Black women in STEM. A creative at heart, Sandrine combines her love for photography and videography to share experiences that celebrate culture and connection as a food and travel content creator.
Want to play a more active role in shaping the Black Women in Science Network? We’re always open to new volunteers who are passionate about building community, amplifying voices, and creating space for Black women in the Sciences.
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Whether you're interested in events, outreach, content creation, or behind-the-scenes support, we'd love to have you on the team. To get involved, simply express your interest via this volunteer application form.
We'll be reviewing expressions of interest on a rolling basis, and interviews will take place sporadically throughout the year.