Catriona Nunn From growing up in Nigeria to studying at the University of York, and now leading Inspire Her Africa, an initiative that empowers African women, Chidinma’s story is one of transformation, mentorship, and finding her voice.
“I was born and raised in Nigeria, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. My early career was spent as a research assistant at a public health institute, focusing on women’s health and contraceptive use. That experience sparked my interest in public health, particularly the idea of addressing health issues from a population perspective rather than focusing solely on individual diagnoses. I realised that public health could help entire communities thrive, and I wanted to be part of that change.
When it came time to pursue my master’s degree, I chose the University of York because of its practical approach to education. Many programs I explored were heavily conceptual, but York stood out for its emphasis on analytical skills and hands-on learning. I needed those tools to transition from individual-focused healthcare to population-level solutions. York offered exactly what I was looking for.
“I learned that leadership begins with communication: owning your perspective and articulating it confidently.”
Moving from Nigeria to York was my first international experience – a cultural shift that was both challenging and rewarding. Before arriving, I’d researched the city extensively and was enchanted by its picturesque charm; it felt like stepping into a storybook. While the cultural differences were significant, the warmth and kindness of the people made York feel like home.
Academically, York pushed me out of my comfort zone. Back home in Nigeria, our education system didn’t emphasise group discussions or active participation in class. At York, however, group sessions and feedback discussions were integral to learning. Initially, I hated speaking up, I wasn’t used to sharing my opinions publicly but over time, these experiences helped me find my voice. I learned that leadership begins with communication: owning your perspective and articulating it confidently.
As an international student ambassador at York, I had opportunities to represent the university at events and share my experiences with prospective students. These roles strengthened my leadership skills further, teaching me how to think strategically and communicate effectively. Observing other ambassadors also inspired me; their stories showed me that leadership isn’t about perfection – it’s about authenticity.
“York has shaped my life: academically through its emphasis on excellence; personally through its warm community; and professionally through its focus on leadership development.”
One of the most transformative aspects of my time at York was my mentorship with Professor Noreen Mdege (whom I affectionately call “Professor Noreen”). She wasn’t just an academic guide; she helped me envision life beyond graduation. Her advice pushed me to think critically about my career path and balance academic goals with personal growth.
Professor Noreen taught me three invaluable lessons:
1. Own your voice: She encouraged me to trust myself and recognize how far I’d come. Her words were often the boost I needed during challenging moments like working on my dissertation.
2. Lead by example: She shared not only her successes but also her mistakes, teaching me that leadership involves vulnerability as much as strength.
3. Embrace detours: Life doesn’t always go as planned but setbacks can be redirections toward something better.
Her mentorship inspired me deeply – so much so that when she said her only wish was for me to “pay it forward,” I knew exactly what I wanted to do next.
Returning to Nigeria after graduation was bittersweet; leaving York was hard, but it marked the beginning of Inspire Her Afrika – a mentorship program designed for young African women navigating early career challenges. The idea stemmed from Professor Noreen’s guidance and my own spiritual conviction as a Christian that this was something I needed to do.
Inspire Her Afrika focuses on personal branding, networking, and leadership – skills essential for African women who often face societal barriers limiting their voices and opportunities. Through mentorship programs tailored to individual needs, we’ve already impacted 26 women across eight African countries. Seeing mentees gain self-confidence, secure new jobs or graduate school placements, improve their businesses by 50%, or even become mentors themselves has been incredibly rewarding.
One success story stands out: a mentee who transitioned from uncertainty about her career path to securing a job aligned with her passions after completing our program. Another mentee increased her business profits significantly after applying lessons from her mentorship experience. These stories reaffirm why Inspire Her Africa exists: to create cycles of empowerment where mentees become mentors themselves.
“Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about authenticity… (it) isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about creating environments where others feel valued and supported.”
Running Inspire Her Afrika hasn’t been without challenges. As a volunteer-based organisation funded primarily through personal resources, keeping team morale high can be difficult. However, sharing our vision with team members (showing them how their efforts are changing lives) has kept us motivated.
Another challenge has been expanding our reach across Afrika’s diverse communities. We’re still young (turning three this year), but we’re determined to grow- starting with plans to mentor younger women in secondary schools and mid-career professionals seeking guidance.
Our ultimate goal? To establish Inspire Her Afrika in every African country – a vision rooted in creating sustainable initiatives driven by empowered women.
Winning the University of York’s Alumni Rising Star Award was a humbling moment for me – a recognition that validated everything we’re doing at Inspire Her Afrika. It also reminded me of how much York has shaped my life: academically through its emphasis on excellence; personally through its warm community; and professionally through its focus on leadership development
If there’s one lesson aspiring leaders can take from my time at York, it’s this: strive for excellence while treating people kindly. Leadership isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about creating environments where others feel valued and supported.
Education and mentorship are powerful drivers of social change – especially for African women who need role models they can relate to. Seeing someone who looks like you succeed despite societal barriers is transformative; it plants seeds of possibility in minds that might otherwise doubt their potential.
To students and recent graduates hoping to create meaningful change in their communities: start small but start somewhere. Build connections with people who share your vision, stay passionate despite obstacles, and never underestimate the impact you can have when you lead with purpose.
York gave me inspiration; now I’m paying it forward through Inspire Her Afrika – transforming lives one voice at a time.”
Are you ready to inspire other alumni? Share your expertise and provide invaluable guidance to fellow alumni and current students by registering as a mentor on the York for Life platform.
