Olisa with his two MACA awards at the ceremony in October 2024
Olisa Ofoma
Student Success Diversity Mark Officer, Olisa Ofoma was nominated for two Black achievers’ awards, firstly for his contribution to Citizenship and he was awarded the Young People United Diversity Award by the Medway African Caribbean Association. In his role as Diversity Mark Officer, Olisa worked alongside Dr Will Mbioh, Kent Law School’s module convenor and helped create a safe and inclusive space where Black male students were given a voice and Black male scholars were included in Dr Mbioh’s reading lists.
Furthermore, Olisa demonstrated his commitment to this cause by playing a key role in a focus group event organised by our former Diversity Mark Officer and Student Success research assistant, Glory Oluwaseun at the university. The event, which centred on the well-being and mental health of young Black men, benefited greatly from his insightful contributions and proactive involvement. His leadership and dedication have made a significant impact, not only in raising awareness but also in encouraging action to support mental health in underrepresented communities. The award ceremony was held at the King’s School, Rochester on 26th October 2024.
Diversity Mark is an institutional award given to lecturers that embark on anti-racist teaching practices by consciously selecting diverse and inclusive reading lists. He played a key role in helping lecturers gain confidence in discussing issues about race, ethnicity and inclusion and engage students with culturally sensitive teaching and global South readings. His sterling contribution has transformed lecturers teaching materials helping them to go on and win Student Success Diversity Mark awards.
MACA, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting an awareness of African and Caribbean Culture through arts, educational and social programmes in Kent and Medway.
Dr Barbara Adewumi, Dr Rachel Gefferie and Dr Daisy Emoekabu members of MACA went along to support Olisa in receiving his awards. Olisa said he was ‘so happy to receive not one but two awards and enjoyed the award ceremony’.
Ola Ozoemena
Student Success Diversity Mark Officer, Ola Ozoemena received two outstanding Black achievers’ awards for Citizenship and Young People United Diversity Award by Medway African Caribbean Association (MACA). The awards ceremony was held at the King’s School, Rochester on 26th October 2024. Ola was recognised for her outstanding dedication to promoting Diversity Mark among her peers and for her impactful contributions during the Medway Teaching & Learning student panel in August 2024. Her passion for fostering an inclusive environment has been evident through her proactive efforts to champion the importance of diversity, ensuring these conversations remain at the forefront of academic and student life.
In addition, Ola played a crucial role in contributing to the success of two modules that achieved the prestigious Diversity Mark award. Her commitment and hard work were instrumental in ensuring these modules met the panels standards reflecting her deep understanding of the significance of div
ersity in education. Ola’s leadership and unwavering dedication to promoting inclusive practices have not only made a lasting impact on her peers but have also helped shape a more equitable and supportive learning environment for all students. Diversity Mark is an institutional award given to lecturers that embark on anti-racist teaching practices by consciously selecting diverse and inclusive reading lists. MACA, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting an awareness of African and Caribbean Culture through arts, educational and social programmes in Kent and Medway. Dr Barbara Adewumi, Dr Rachel Gefferie and Dr Daisy Emoekabu members of MACA went along to receive the award on her behalf as she is currently working in Belgium. Ola said ‘in no uncertain terms, I’m absolutely ecstatic! I’m so grateful to have worked with the Diversity Mark Team’.