Black History Month: "My journey has been challenging yet empowering."
Continuing the celebration of Black History Month we're spotlighting Maureen Ejimofor, Project Manager to find out more about her career journey, what Black History Month means to her, challenges faced as a BAME staff member and her role models.
Career journey
I joined CLCH in May 2024 as a Project Manager for the Improvement and Transformation Office and, serve as a Wellbeing Ambassador. Before this, I worked with senior leaders at NHS England Commissioning Service to improve clinical pathways and save lives.
My NHS career, though inspiring, faced initial hurdles due to my lack of "NHS experience." Motivated by a vision to make a difference, I began as a Band 3 Health and Wellbeing Coach, drawing from my transformative personal experiences with the NHS. My dedication to patient care and process improvement quickly earned me recognition, leading to numerous awards and a promotion to Band 6 within 13 months. Leveraging my project management background, I advanced to a Band 8 position within another 13 months. Over the past eight years, my work on long-term transformation initiatives has been widely acknowledged.
My success stems from my passion, people skills, and relentless drive. Authenticity, positivity, and resilience define my approach. Outside work, I engage in community activities, lead healthy walks, and give motivational speeches. I understand the challenges faced by strong-minded black African women but remain undeterred, striving for excellence and advocating for others.
Reflecting on Black History Month and its theme
Black History Month celebrates the contributions of black people worldwide. This year’s theme, “Reclaiming Narratives,” resonates with me as it highlights our stories and history. As a black British African woman, my journey has been challenging yet empowering. Embracing positivity and resilience, I share my experiences to inspire others.
Born in the UK, I moved to Nigeria to connect with my roots, experiencing both the beauty and hardships of life in a developing country. Returning to England, I embraced its opportunities, appreciating the diverse perspectives from both cultures. This background has shaped me into a compassionate, resilient individual who values diversity and community.
Role models
I draw inspiration from various black role models, such as Onyeka Onwenu, Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Despite their influence, I consider myself my own role model, having overcome numerous challenges to help others. Proud of my heritage, I have survived domestic abuse, raised two responsible adults as a single parent, and excelled in a demanding career.
Message to NHS leaders on tackling racism
NHS leaders must unite against racism, fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity in leadership. This involves promoting leadership training for diverse groups, addressing racism through events and workshops, and creating policies that support staff equality and provide safe spaces to speak out against racism.
Personal highlights
Key highlights include raising two confident and responsible adults, overcoming personal adversities, running the London marathon to support domestic violence survivors, and leading community healthy walks. Sharing my lived experiences continues to inspire others to make positive changes. Working for the NHS, I am honoured to contribute to a diverse, skilled workforce dedicated to improving lives.
Driven by my passion to make a difference, I have quickly integrated into CLCH, receiving recognition for my work.
My career ambition is to become the next black British African woman on the NHS Executive leadership board, contributing to meaningful change. Watch me achieve this goal! I hope my story inspires you.
