The Alumni

We wish all our alumni the very best with their future endeavours and look forward to keeping in touch!

Daniel Tella

2020/21 grant recipient
LLB Bachelor of Laws

  • "WEST has given me the zeal to push forward in this difficult time for many people. My first semester was nothing different from how most of us felt: stressed, depressed, different and challenging. However, I (as I am sure with others) had to adapt to the ‘new normal’ and try my best to lift spirits, not drowning them with negativity and disappointments. This semester has been far from an easy road. There are days I would be so perplexed with what was even going on, but I am confident that with WEST’s motivation, self-motivation, and my journey so far, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

    I encourage all just to smile. Be happy. Be grateful. Encourage self-awareness. Look after each other. Spread love. Glow in goodness! Think of the best in every situation presented.”
    #WESTsupportsBAME #theWESTspirit "

Augustine Kwaw

2020/21 grant recipient
BSc Mental Health Nursing

  • “I'm honoured to be in receipt of the WEST grant in particular for recognition of my hard work and commitment to improving my community. In a time of uncertainty and an ever growing pressure on people's mental health, there is an increasing demand to improve our awareness of mental wellbeing. The grant stretches far beyond financial gain but more so towards a collaborative working partnership with WEST to create more awareness and provide support to others.”

Sharon Nakiyimba

2020/21 grant recipient
BA Education Studies

  • “The WEST scholarship is a life changer for those like me that never stop believing BUT continue to achieve at any given opportunity.”

2020/21 grant recipient
MA Comparative Literature and Critical Theories

Georgina Ramsey

  • "I finally completed my MA in Comparative Literature and Critical Theories in September of this year when I submitted my dissertation, a comparative study of literature from both the Anglophone and Francophone Caribbean. Whilst this year has been a challenging one for obvious reasons, it has also been really rewarding and it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of the Wilkes Education Scholarship Trust, to whom I am immensely grateful. I wholeheartedly share their commitment to advancing the educational opportunities for Black British students of African and Caribbean heritage, so much so that completing my Master’s degree solidified my decision to pursue a career in teaching."

Kyle McAdam-Whyte

2021/22 grant recipient
BSc Mathematics

  • "A mind is a terrible thing to waste. This has become more evident to me the last couple of years since I’ve become paralysed and has inspired me to use my mind to better myself by studying a mathematics degree.”

Hannah Lloyd

2020/21 and 2021/22 grants recipient
MPhil Development Studies

  • “Graduation was one of the proudest days of my life! Just three years prior to this moment I had written in my career plan that I wanted to complete a Masters in International Development at Oxford, knowing that I needed help to make it happen. I’m so grateful to WEST for providing that extra help! I’ve been able to move straight into a role with a Development charity that I would not be able to do without my degree. Day to day, I have the opportunity to challenge colonial narratives and advocate for the dignified representation of people in poverty living in Africa and the Caribbean, just as I’d intended to do. I’m so excited for what the future holds. WEST, again, thank you!”

Nicolette Porter

2021/22 grant recipient
BSc Midwifery

  • "This midwifery degree has been a challenging, yet incredibly worthwhile experience. I've learned so much and I'm excited to begin my new career as a midwife with this university education as a solid foundation. Since receiving the WEST scholarship grant, I have supported the births of 40 babies, won the Nursing Times 'Student Midwife of the Year Award' 2021, and become an editor of an international scientific midwifery journal. The experiences that become open to you when studying at a university level are truly wide-reaching. Doing this degree has truly changed my life for the better. I would encourage anyone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare to go for it and believe in themselves as you can really help to make a difference."

Ikari Reese Jr

2022/23 grant recipient
BA Theatre Performance and Production

  • ""Nothing is impossible, The word itself says I'm Possible!" 

Edgar Kuteesa

2022/23 grant recipient
BSc Biochemistry

  • “I’m so excited to have the opportunity of being a UK WEST scholar. I’d like to thank my lecturers who have supported me up to date throughout my university journey as a Medical Biochemistry student. The nomination from my lecturers alone made me happy. The scholarship will definitely boost my confidence during my studies. I believe that many people are in the same situation as me and I wish most of them would get to know more about this opportunity in order to ease their university life. I’d like to thank WEST again for the wonderful opportunity.”  

Elizabeth Harrison-Wright

2023/24 grant recipient
BA Sociology

  • “Reflecting on my journey studying Sociology at Middlesex University, I'm filled with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. Starting university at 57, after a 35-year career in social care, was daunting. However, the support from academic staff, disability services, and peers has been instrumental in my success. Despite initial challenges, I've consistently achieved firsts and 2:1s, surprising myself with my academic abilities. The unexpected Wilkes Scholarship Grant nomination and award have further validated my hard work and commitment as a neurodiverse person of colour. After three years of intense study, delving into complex sociological theories including qualitative and quantitative research techniques, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions, I proudly graduated with a first-class degree. Myacademic journey has not only expanded my knowledge and deepened my understanding of societal structures, but also strengthened my commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and making meaningful contributions to my community. It has further fueled my passion for creating positive change in society.”

Savannah Gordon

2021/22 grant recipient
BSc Biochemistry

  • "This year, 2022, has been more challenging than most; this year I experienced some personal battles unlike any, irrespective of university, but out of the hardships I’ve learnt a lot and grown so much as a person that when I look at how far I’ve come since my early days in foundation year, I’m stunned, I feel invincible in some ways, as though sky’s the limit. There has been so many highs and many lows but despite it all I’ve manage to graduate this year 2022 with a merit in Biochemistry and as a WEST alumnus, which is crazy to me! I can’t take all the credit, I couldn’t have done it firstly, without God, or the help and support of WEST, my family and amazing lecturers. For all their hard work, the recommendations, the positive comments, and just overall support, I couldn’t have made it this far. I hope this is not the end and we stay connected; I’m excited for what the future holds for me in the field, and I can’t wait to fill you in! I’m so blessed and honoured to a part of the WIKES scholarship alumni."

Rianna Patterson

2023/24 grant recipient
MSc Dementia: Causes, Treatments and Research (Mental Health)

  • “Receiving the WEST Scholarship has allowed me to pursue an MSc in dementia at UCL, which requires me to relocate to London. As someone who is financially independent without any parental support, this degree presents additional challenges. However, being a WEST scholarship holder brings immense relief as I now have secure financial support to pursue my studies without any financial worries. I am grateful to the team at WILKES Trust for investing in my education and helping me overcome these barriers. I can focus on my goal of working in the dementia field. My experience has motivated me to help young individuals reach their educational aspirations.”

Olubunmi Obayomi

2021/22 grant recipient
BA Fashion Textiles and Design

  • "Owing to the current covid 19 pandemic, I have had to study from home.  it has been an experience made pleasant and workable by the university.  Also, thanks to the heat press machine I bought (thanks to the grant from WEST), I have been able to do a lot from home.  I have access to learning material from the university and I

    am pretty sure that I am on the way to achieving a good degree in my chosen field, Fashion Design and Textiles (specialising in print).  I look forward to finishing and being able to go into the professional world. My aim is to make such a mark in the fashion world that sustainable work ethics would be a norm in the industry."

Atlanta Sonson-Chapman

2022/23 grant recipient
BA Theatre Directing and Production

  • “The brain takes in their opinions but it is controlled by your commands.”

Nia Tackie

2022/23 grant recipient
BA Fashion Textiles and Design
(due to finish June 2025)

  • "I’m grateful to WEST for granting me the opportunity to use this grant to help me in my degree and I hope it encourages other BAME students to know that WEST can help give them assurance to study whichever course they want to, creative or academic and feel confident in themselves and their careers after graduating.”

Akira Jabobs-Abiola

2023/24 grant recipient
LLB Law

  • "My mom’s favourite quote: ‘Where there is a will, there is a way’. To me this means, whatever I set my mind to is achievable. This has kept me through tough times. It is worth remembering that resilience and determination coupled with hard work will produce amazing results. Norman Vincent Peale once said "Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars." As long as you put in the work, you would meet your goal or at the very least be better off than where you started. So help me God!"

Denée Warner

2023/24 grant recipient
BSc Midwifery

  • “The real joy in life comes from finding your true purpose and aligning it with what do you do every single day." (Tony Robbins)