The University of Westminster collaborated with Lion Voices Charity Group to host an inspiring panel discussion titled Beyond Borders: Celebrating Resilience and Leadership in Entrepreneurship. As a follow-up to Refugee Week, the event aimed to keep the conversation about refugee experiences and contributions going strong.
Following Refugee Week and World Refugee Day, the University of Westminster welcomed students, colleagues and members of the public to the University a week later on 24 June to continue the conversation. Several UK organisations supporting asylum seekers and refugees also attended, including the Mary Ward Centre, the Renewal Programme and We Belong.
The event was organised by Dr Natasha Ramachandran, Lecturer in Psychology and member of Westminster’s Research Centre on Peripheral Populations and HOMELandS, and Oyella Odong, Founder and Director of Lion Voices Charity Group, with sponsorship from Westminster’s Quintin Hogg Trust-funded Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) programme.
As the panel chair, Dr Ramachandran began the event with opening remarks exploring the concept of flourishing even during the most stressful of times. She explained how maintaining positivity, connecting with others and finding purpose can significantly negate the impacts of stress on health.
The panel discussion then kicked off and provided a platform for individuals with refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds to share their journeys from personal hardship to entrepreneurial success. Panellists included Chef Yogeswaran Sivakolundu from Trampoline Restaurant, Amanda Kamanda, Influencer and Founder of the Minority Inclusion Foundation, Halimot Ogunnaike, Founder of Haliberry Cakes, and Faith Gakanje-Ajala, Founder of the African Women Empowerment Forum and Councillor for Nottingham City Council.
Panellists
Following the panel discussion, attendees participated in an interactive Q&A session. The questions encouraged powerful connections and underscored the panellists’ resilience, endurance and problem-solving skills, reinforcing that while difficulties must be acknowledged, it is equally vital to celebrate and uplift the progress and achievements of inspiring individuals.
The event concluded with a networking session, where attendees mingled and established opportunities for further support and advice from the panel members. As a token of appreciation for their attendance, each attendee was gifted a lotus flower badge before they departed.
About the event’s impact Sophie Leech from the Mary Ward Centre said: "Mary Ward colleagues and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students were delighted to attend the Beyond Borders Panel Discussion. Students found the event very informative, engaging and beneficial; from the inspirational life stories of the panellists, the Q&A opportunities about entrepreneurship, to the chance to meet the panel. It was fantastic to see our students confidently networking, having informal 1-1 chats with panellists for more information, advice and finding out how to make connections with their organisations. Special thank you to Natasha and Oyella for organising and inviting us to be part of this wonderful event."
Somia El Hariry from Renewal Programme added: “Attending Beyond Borders: Celebrating Resilience and Leadership was a truly significant experience. Hearing the lived experiences of the panellists was both emotive and deeply inspiring. Their stories highlighted the strength, adaptability and persistent spirit of individuals who have rebuilt their lives after displacement. It was powerful to observe underrepresented voices being amplified, offering diverse perspectives that are often unheard.”
Oyella Odong, Founder of Lion Voices and collaborator for the event, said: “I still can’t believe I met Natasha through an event supporting refugee students at the University of Westminster. From our conversations and network, Beyond Borders came to life. It’s amazing to see an idea become real. The event truly captured Beyond Borders: Daring to Dream. The four panellists showed us what that means - you could feel it in the room. I hope we have more moments like this, where we sit, listen and walk side by side through each journey shared.”
This event directly contributes to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth,10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion events at the University of Westminster.
