At Birmingham City University, the That’s Me project is about improving access to postgraduate research and professional careers, whilst amplifying diverse voices and celebrating the lived experiences of people from underrepresented backgrounds. By sharing these stories, we highlight the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in both academia and the workplace.
For this spotlight, we spoke with Ibiwumi Arowolo, Senior Sister at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, about her career journey, her research, and what EDI means to her.
What’s your current role, and what do you enjoy most about it?
Wumi:
I’m a Ward Manager, a role I’ve held for just over three years. I really enjoy caring for patients, but also supporting my team—about 40 staff members—and acting as a mentor.
I’m also a Professional Nurse Advocate, which means I support staff not just in my own team but across the trust. Nursing often pushes people down a management pathway, but not everyone wants to follow that route. I help colleagues explore other opportunities, including research, and make sure they know where to find information I didn’t have when I was starting out.
Can you tell us about your career journey and how you got to where you are today?
Wumi:
Like many people, my career journey hasn’t been straightforward. I started out studying microbiology, then went on to complete a master’s in biomedical science before training as a nurse.
My research journey came from being inquisitive in practice—asking questions that no one seemed able to answer. I wanted to dig deeper, to understand more about how nurses manage competing care demands in acute settings. That curiosity led me to pursue my doctorate independently in 2018, while still working full-time as a nurse. It wasn’t easy. Over time, UHB began to recognise what I was doing and offered support, which has made a real difference.
What does equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) mean to you?
Wumi:
For me, it’s about making sure everyone is seen, heard and empowered—regardless of their background.
Of course, there are still barriers. I’ve been in rooms where I’m the only Black person, which can feel isolating—especially in a city as multicultural as Birmingham. But I also know that by being visible in those spaces, I might inspire others to believe they belong there too.
It’s not always positive, but the key is making sure your value is recognised and you keep learning and pushing forward.
How have you seen UHB support inclusion in practice?
Wumi:
There’s been progress. For example, when shortlisting for roles, names are removed so decisions are based only on the application, not assumptions. That helps reduce bias.
The trust also invests in leadership training, which is available to everyone, and celebrates events like Black History Month and South Asian Heritage Week. From my perspective, inclusion is also about making sure people know where to access opportunities—because sometimes information doesn’t reach everyone equally, and that makes a difference.
How have you been supported to be your authentic self at work?
Wumi:
I’m fortunate to have a line manager who gives me space to grow and use my skills. That support has been crucial.
I’ve been encouraged to take part in things like presenting at conferences or reviewing research abstracts—opportunities I might not have found on my own. Having that network around me has empowered me to be open, share my values, and thrive in my role.
Finally, what advice would you give to organisations wanting to be more inclusive?
Wumi:
Give people room to thrive. Often, individuals don’t realise their own capacity until they’re given the chance and the resources.
It’s not just about training, but also about giving people the time to apply what they’ve learned. Inclusion should be about thriving, not just surviving. When staff feel supported to grow, everyone benefits—patients, teams, and the wider organisation.
Look out for more employer spotlights from regional organisations as we continue to showcase diverse voices and experiences. Learn more about the That’s Me! project, the Employer Board, and upcoming events.
