University of Kent - African Heritage Mentoring Programme

Facilities and Reception Services Assistant

Keywords: Self-awareness, empowerment, reflection

Mentoring approach: Creating open conversations and supportive spaces where mentees feel empowered to define success on their own terms.

I’m Eileen, a law graduate currently undertaking a master's in law, with a strong interest in mentoring, community building, and supporting students as they navigate university life and early professional pathways. I was born in Kenya and moved to the UK early in my childhood, an experience that has shaped my understanding of cultural transition, identity, and belonging within academic spaces.

My academic and professional experience spans legal research, client support, and advocacy-focused work, particularly in environments that require empathy, reflection, and confidence-building. I’m especially passionate about supporting students in finding their voice, recognising their strengths, and approaching challenges with self-trust rather than pressure to have everything figured out.

As a mentor, I value listening, having open and honest conversations, and creating a supportive space where mentees feel seen, empowered, and confident in defining success on their own terms.

Senior Finance Business Partner

Keywords: Resilience, lived experience, navigation

Mentoring approach: Supporting mentees through lived experience and empathetic leadership to help them navigate their journey at Kent and beyond.

My name is Kafui and I’m originally from Ghana, West Africa. I relocated to the UK in July 2011 and after quite an interesting immigration journey, I now call the UK home.

I am married with two daughters and love spending time with my family.

I also serve as a leader in my local church and enjoy hosting people in my home…I always welcome any excuse to have a barbecue, even in the middle of winter!

My current role is Senior Finance Business Partner at the University of Kent. This role is key to ensuring the effective and efficient use of university resources as well as informing strategic decision making on financial and operational targets. 

I hold an Executive Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Kent Business School, University of Kent, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Banking & Finance from the University of Ghana.

As a finance professional with experience in the UK Higher Education sector and previously in the Ghanaian corporate banking (finance) sector, I enjoy working in teams and especially enjoy the relational aspects of delivering my roles in large institutions.

 As a mentor within African Mentoring, I am excited to be able to use my lived experience as well as my empathetic leadership to support mentees on their Kent journey and beyond!

Kafui Osuteye - LinkedIn 

Governance Manager; Governance, Assurance & Legal Services Directorate

Keywords: Professional confidence, strengths, governance

Mentoring approach: Helping mentees harness their strengths and show up as their best selves.

Lanre supports the Council and Governance team in ensuring the effective operation of the University’s corporate and academic governance structures.  She is a foreign qualified lawyer  (Nigeria) and chartered secretary with experience in corporate and commercial law and regulatory governance. She is adept at policy making, project and stakeholder management and has liaised at different levels with trustees, directors, shareholders, general counsels, c-suite executives, regulators, and multi-disciplinary teams.

Lanre is a University of Kent Alumna, with an  LL.M in International Commercial Law.

She currently manages the Council Secretariat  at the University of Kent and is passionate about helping mentees show up as their best selves, harnessing their strengths, skills and expertise with confidence.

Lanre Folarin - LinkedIn

Nexus Administrator Voice and Experience

Keywords: Practical support, belonging, transition

Mentoring approach: Providing practical guidance and creating spaces where students feel heard, supported, and confident in their journey.

I'm Cynthia Njenga, a former international student who completed an MSc in International Business and Management at the University of Kent. I now work at the University as a Nexus Administrator, supporting student engagement and service delivery through coordination across services and student-centred support. Having navigated studying and living in the UK myself, I understand both the excitement and uncertainty that can come with settling into university life.

I really enjoy connecting with students through conversation and practical guidance and care deeply about creating spaces where students feel comfortable, heard, and supported. I’m also involved in student engagement through the International Student Advisory Board, which focuses on strengthening student voice, community, and support.

As a mentor within the African Mentoring Programme, I’m passionate about helping students feel confident, find their footing, and build a strong sense of belonging at Kent, while shaping pathways that extend beyond university.

Voice, Experience and Internationalisation Manager

Keywords: Leadership, voice, identity

Mentoring approach: Supporting mentees to find their voice, build confidence, and shape pathways beyond university.

Saundré Hughes, Voice, Experience and Internationalisation Manager at the University of Kent, where I work closely with international students to support belonging, confidence, and meaningful global connection. I’m British with Jamaican parents, and my lived experience strongly shapes how I approach mentoring, community building, and leadership.

My background spans business, education, and equality, diversity and inclusion, and I’m a qualified Professional Coach currently undertaking a Senior Leadership  MBA programme. Alongside my role, I work in partnership with Kent Students’ Union on Black-led initiatives such as Vision and Voices and panel events during Cultural Celebration Week, creating spaces where identity, voice, and lived experience are centred and valued.

Creative, curious, and happily busy, I love learning through people and experience, whether that’s culture, conversation, or adventure. As a mentor within African Mentoring, I’m passionate about supporting mentees to navigate Kent with confidence, find their voice, and shape pathways that extend well beyond university.

Saundré Hughes - LinkedIn 

Student Experience and Internationalisation Officer

Keywords: Opportunities, guidance, student journey

Mentoring approach: Providing honest guidance, sharing lived experience, and supporting students to recognise their strengths and maximise opportunities.

I’m Hayley Snoding, Global Opportunities Officer at the University of Kent and a proud Kent graduate (BA English Literature with Creative Writing, 2016). I completed my degree while working full-time and managing a family home; an experience that strengthened my resilience, discipline, and time management skills, and gave me a deep appreciation for the diverse commitments our students balance alongside their studies. 

Throughout my time at Kent, I have worked across Admissions, Global and Lifelong Learning, International Recruitment, Marketing, Outreach, and most recently Student Life. This cross-university experience has given me a broad understanding of the student journey, from first enquiry to graduation, and where meaningful support can make the greatest difference. 

I am particularly passionate about enhancing the experience of our international students and empowering them to shape the community around them. I have played a key role in developing the International Student Advisory Board, working closely with student representatives to ensure their voices inform decision-making. One of my proudest achievements was seeing the International Student Support page come to life, shaped directly by the Advisory Board’s vision and student insight. 

As a mentor, I aim to be approachable, honest, and encouraging. Offering practical guidance, sharing lived experience, and creating space for students to build confidence in their own abilities. I’m committed to helping students navigate challenges, recognise their strengths, and make the most of the opportunities available to them. 

International Student Mentor SSW

Keywords: Wellbeing, belonging, settling in

Mentoring approach: Offering a friendly and reassuring presence, supporting mentees to build confidence, settle into new environments, and develop a strong sense of belonging.

I’m Emma, the International Student Mentor at the University of Kent, supporting international students as they settle into life both at university and in the UK.

I do this through 1:1 mentoring and small group activities designed to build community and help make Kent feel like a home away from home.

I’m UK-born and of African descent, with Sierra Leonean heritage. I love to travel and experience new cultures as a way to broaden my horizons. I also have a keen interest in health, fitness, and overall wellbeing.

Having lived and worked abroad several times myself, I understand the challenges that can come with moving to a new country. Navigating unfamiliar systems, building new

connections, dealing with feelings of isolation - it can feel a bit overwhelming. I know how valuable it can be to have someone who is friendly and supportive during that transition.

I look forward to being that friendly source of support for students involved in the African Mentoring Programme, helping mentees feel like they truly belong and have the support they need as they settle into life in the UK.

Technician (Mechanical Engineering)

Keywords: Adaptability, encouragement, perspective

Mentoring approach: Providing encouragement and a listening ear, helping mentees navigate challenges through shared experience and practical support.

My name is Omar Dawaba, and I work at the University of Kent supporting engineering laboratories and workshops. My background is in aerospace engineering, and I have a strong interest in aviation and technology. Alongside my work, I have been studying for my Private Pilot Licence, which reflects my passion for learning and personal development.

Originally born in Egypt and raised in Saudi Arabia, I value cultural exchange and connecting with people from different backgrounds. My experiences studying, working, and adapting to different environments have helped shape my perspective and resilience.

I wanted to become a mentor because I believe in the importance of support, encouragement, and sharing experiences. Sometimes having someone to talk to who understands the challenges of university life can make a big difference.

Omar Dawaba - LinkedIn

Lecturer in Logistics and Project Management at Kent Business School

Keywords: Academic development, research, clarity

Mentoring approach: Supporting mentees through guidance and knowledge-sharing, helping them develop confidence, academic focus, and clarity in their goals.

I am Chefi Triki, a Lecturer in Logistics and Project Management at Kent Business School (KBS). I completed my PhD in Systems Engineering and Informatics at the University of Calabria in Italy.

Before moving to the UK in 2021, I taught and led research projects in Italy, Oman, and Qatar. I have also been fortunate to receive several awards recognising my contributions to teaching, research, and community service. I have always been actively involved in advising and mentoring both new and returning students, and I am keen to support students through the African Mentoring Programme.

My research focuses on developing mathematical models for network design, with applications in areas such as transportation procurement, freight distribution, waste collection, groundwater management, and tourism planning.

I hold dual citizenship (Tunisian and Italian), and I have a real passion for travelling. I always enjoy meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds, which I find both inspiring and enriching.

Research and Innovation Officer, School of Natural Sciences and KMMS

Keywords: International experience, integration, support

Mentoring approach: Offering supportive guidance rooted in international experience, helping mentees adapt, settle, and navigate new environments with confidence.

My background is in Biomedical Science. I gained my undergraduate degree from Kent and then went on to complete a PhD in Molecular Virology before returning to Kent. Nowadays I work as a Research and Innovation Officer for the School of Natural Sciences and KMMS. I also have a second job as a Project Officer for an international networking project researching the gut microbiome.

I am originally from Germany but have lived in the UK for nearly 18 years, and I have also spent time living in Maine in the USA. I love working with people from all over the world and really value the different perspectives that international experiences bring. Having experienced living in different countries myself, I enjoy supporting international students as they settle in and find their way.

I work part time as I also care for my daughter, five chickens, four guinea pigs, a dog, and host international language students.

Anja Godfrey - LinkedIn

Contracts & Trusted Research Coordinator

Keywords: Self-expression, belonging, confidence

Mentoring approach: Creating an open and supportive space where mentees can build confidence, find their voice, and feel a strong sense of belonging.

Hi, I’m Yasamin, a Contracts and Trusted Research Coordinator at the University of Kent. I recently completed my MSc in International Business & Management with Distinction, and my background spans research governance, education, and student engagement.

I’m originally from Iran, and my journey studying and working in the UK has shaped my passion for supporting others as they navigate new environments. Alongside my current role, I’ve worked closely with students through roles in accommodation services, student voice, and as a representative, which has strengthened my understanding of student needs and challenges.

As a mentor, I’m keen to offer a supportive and open space where mentees can build confidence, share experiences, and make the most of their time at Kent. I’m especially passionate about helping students find their voice and feel a sense of belonging.

Yasamin Tabei - LinkedIn

IT Service Improvement Lead

Keywords: Purpose, reflection, direction

Mentoring approach: Creating a supportive and honest space where mentees can explore their goals, build confidence, and navigate their unique journey with purpose.

I’m Jo Addison, IT Service Improvement Lead at the University of Kent. I oversee user engagement, change management, compliance, and communication within IT Services, bridging technical expertise and user insight to shape service delivery and enhance the digital experience.

With an academic background in Law and International Relations, my career has evolved in a dynamic way across a range of disciplines. As a result, I’m a strong advocate for non-linear career paths and the value they bring, including widened perspective, adaptability, and the ability to connect ideas across disciplines. 

Outside of work, I enjoy interior design, going to the cinema, being part of my church community, and organising activities and events for family and friends. I am proudly Rwandan, yet in addition to my personal heritage, also enjoy the cultural fluency I have developed from (so far) living and working in over 9 countries across 3 continents. These experiences have shaped how I connect and relate with people, and I deeply value the impact they have on me.

As a mentor, I aim to create a supportive and honest space where you can explore your goals, build confidence, and navigate your unique journey with drive and purpose.

Student Success Development Officer

Keywords: Nurturing, direction, faith

Mentoring approach: Nurturing growth through encouragement and guidance, helping mentees find clarity, confidence, and the right pathways to thrive.

My name is Adelaide Berko I am a wife, mother of two, entrepreneur, and ministry leader who serves with my husband as we shepherd the church community on campus and off campus. With a deep love for people and a gift for nurturing growth, I am especially passionate about mentoring international students helping them navigate new environments, pursue their goals with clarity, and find the right resources and opportunities to thrive.

My entrepreneurial insight and heart for ministry allow me to create meaningful spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Whether I am guiding students through life transitions, directing them toward the right pathways, or encouraging them in their spiritual journey, I am committed to equipping the next generation to flourish with confidence, creativity, and unwavering faith.

Director of Education, School of Computing

Keywords: Problem-solving, decision-making, technology

Mentoring approach: Providing thoughtful guidance and shared experience, supporting mentees to navigate challenges and make informed decisions with confidence.

Hello, my name is Kemi Ademoye, and I am an academic from the School of Computing. 

My background is in Computer Science, and I have studied and worked both in the UK and my home country. I worked in industry for several years as a software developer before making the move to academia. I still like to develop software and if I find myself having to do laborious manual tasks more than once, I will start thinking of ways to automate the process. My colleague fondly says this is because Computer Scientists are lazy and hate manual tasks and will tend to automate manual work any chance they get :).

I was drawn to mentoring as over the years I have had several mentors, both informal and formal, to share experiences and challenges with and help me on my journey through life. I found this support invaluable and would like to be able to extend similar support and guidance to others if it can help in any way.

Digital Product and Portfolio Lead

Keywords: Career planning, goals, execution

Mentoring approach: Offering practical, goal-focused support, helping mentees build confidence, clarify ambitions, and take actionable steps forward.

My name is Guy Marshall, and I am from Nigeria. I am a Digital Product & Portfolio Lead at the University of Kent, with experience delivering digital projects and transformation initiatives across higher education and global organisations. I hold an MSc in Strategic Project Management from the University of Kent.

I have led university initiatives and contributed to large-scale technology programmes, developing a practical and adaptable approach to analysis, collaboration, and problem-solving. I apply these experiences in mentoring to support meaningful progress.

During my postgraduate studies, I worked as a Student Ambassador and have since continued supporting the Kent Business School Project Management cohorts through guest talks, seminars, and informal mentoring.

As a mentor, I am open and supportive, helping students build confidence, clarify their goals, and take practical steps towards their academic and career ambitions.

Guy Marshall - LinkedIn

Digital Product Adoption Lead 

I am the Digital Capabilities Lead at the University of Kent, specialising in IT skills development and digital product adoption. I believe in making technology more accessible, inclusive, and practical for everyone. 

I have designed and delivered large-scale training programmes, supported digital transformation work, and helped people across sectors build confidence with tools ranging from open-source software to enterprise platforms.  My background includes consulting for government agencies, NGOs, and global tech firms, as well as contributing to international initiatives such as the UN High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation and Microsoft’s 4Afrika Advisory Board. I co-founded Girls in ICT Rwanda and have mentored and supported entrepreneurs through kLab and Jasiri. 

I’m particularly motivated by supporting people who want to improve their confidence with new digital tools and help them grow at their own pace. I remain passionate about the potential for technology to create opportunities for people from all walks of life.

Akaliza Keza Ktwari - LinkedIn