Black Excellence Network was founded with an opportunistic spirit and a grand vision: to change the lives of black students across the UK through the provision of accessible mentoring and consultancy services.
We challenge the racial disparities within UK higher education and competitive courses seen between black students and other ethnicities. We also support the professional and personal development of current black university students.
Our Co-founder, Oyinda Adeniyi is a prime example of what it means to persevere against the odds and tough personal circumstances. Her desire to help upcoming generations fuels her work within social entrepreneurship and widening participation. Before higher education, she often found that she lacked a consistent support system to support her in her goal to study Medicine – one of the most competitive degrees with only 1 in 3 of applicants receiving an offer each year. Nevertheless, she went on to achieve 7A*s and 4As at GCSE and 4A’s at A-Level. Her experiences encouraged her to establish initiatives such as the Black Excellence Network in which black students nationwide can access the assistance they need to excel in their academic pathways. She wants to give abundantly to the causes she cares for and be a positive example to young black people nationwide.
Oyinda has personally mentored 5 students on their pathway to university. Oyinda was recognised as joint 5th in the top 150 Future Leaders Powerlist Magazine 2021. She is also Communications Officer and Strategic Project Team Lead at Melanin Medics. She has an avid interest in social mobility, education, women’s health and health inequalities.
Our Co-founder, George Obolo, is a bright young leader and polymath who uses his multiple talents to inspire those around him. Growing up in a predominantly white school and neighbourhood, George was often discouraged by his seniors when he spoke of his dreams to pursue Medicine. He often had to prove himself to his peers and teachers. Even so, George went on to place within the top 5% of applicants across the UK in his admissions tests and received all 4 medical school offers. As a Co-Founder and Director of the Black Excellence Network, he works to build a network and service in which students of Afro-Caribbean heritage are celebrated and empowered to reach their potential. In his projects, George imparts his knowledge and insight to create value and ensure that all students are effectively supported.
George was also listed as joint 5th in the top 150 Future Leaders Powerlist Magazine 2021 and received the Aspire Young Innovator Award 2021. George works as an Associate at FairHQ, which is one of the first platforms that help startups and scale-ups embed diversity & inclusion across their businesses. He is also the Community Lead at Our God Given Mission (OGGM). He is passionate about tech, leadership, diversity and inclusion and medical education.
