About Us
our community
who we are
Black Leaders in Healthcare is a community of over 300 nurses, doctors, Allied Health Professionals, programme managers and so much more. Our members represent all specialties from Mental Health to Cardiothoracic Surgeons working in both private and public settings across the U.K.
our mission
what we do
For generations there has been an over representation of Black individuals choosing to work within the health and social care sector.
Yet to this day, the narrative of those same essential workers having to overcome unnecessary barriers to career progression and development remains, as a direct or indirect result of their race.
We are passionate about building a community of Black Leaders and investing in change for future generations to come.
Although we are founded by Black Healthcare professionals we are an inclusive Community. All ethnicities and professions are welcome to join and experience growth through shared learning.
our story
How it all started
our values
what we stand for
Balance
Between technical jargon and simple English!
Leadership
Not workforce management, but flattening hierarchies to improve communication.
Authenticity
Being true to ourselves and unapologetically refusing to conform.
Commitment
To the needs of our community.
Knowledge
Is power! No question is a stupid question.
our team
meet your black leaders
JULIANA ANSAH
CEO & FOUNDER
JULIANA ANSAH
CEO & FOUNDER
Juliana is the Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at a London NHS FT Trust. Juliana's previous roles include Population Health & Financial Strategy Manager at an NHS Clinical Commissioning Group; Improvement and Change Management Specialist at one of the largest NHS Trusts in England; Operational Manager at the Office for National Statistics (ONS); and National Governance & Project Management Office Manager for NHS England/Improvement. She has over 20years experience in Health & Social Care improvement programmes, and in 2020 was deployed to work for the Prime Ministers Office.
Juliana has degrees in BA Hons Youth & Community Work, and BSc Hons Health Services Management, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Healthcare Finance from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Juliana has a wide range of experience in managing large scale projects with a keen interest in reducing health inequalities nationally. Juliana pledges to do her part through Black Leaders CIC, working with system leaders and health care professionals to break the bias and improve healthcare for all.
DEE JOHNSON
Director of Learning
DEE JOHNSON
Director of Learning
Dee is a Head of Patient Safety at a large acute NHS hospital trust, she is responsible for the processes for overall risk management, clinical governance, and patient safety.
She has also worked in clinical commissioning, overseeing and advising on strengthening the quality of serious incident management for commissioned services, receiving outstanding recognition from NHSE in the process.
Dee supports clinical staff and managers in navigating the processes of risk management in relation to their role, helping them understand how to embed the processes into daily activities. She believes in the importance of building trust and confidence to ensure that issues are highlighted, and problems addressed in an open environment, as well as supporting staff through coaching to both identify and recognise their potential, building skills that will enable them to be promoted into more challenging and rewarding roles.
Delena holds a Master’s in Healthcare Leadership from the NHS Leadership Academy and the University of Birmingham. Dee has a keen love of romance novels and emotional thrillers and lives in the West Midlands.
MELISSA WILLIAMS
Head of Events
MELISSA WILLIAMS
Head of Events
“Millie” Melissa Williams BSc (Hons) MCSP Millie is a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist working in Urgent Care for the NHS. She is a part of a growing number of Allied Health Professionals developing into more Specialist Practitioners roles, allowing patients to see the right person for their problem at an earlier stage in their care. Since graduating from King’s College London in 2012, Millie has worked in a range of departments across the NHS including inpatient and outpatient services. Her previous clinical work also extends to sports such as rugby and football.
Alongside her clinical work Millie has experience of guest lecturing; mentoring and coaching young people. She has also supervised many students and healthcare staff at a range of bands within the NHS. Millie has completed Masters level study in Leadership for Allied Health Professionals and is continuing this level of study currently, working towards becoming a Physiotherapist Independent Prescriber. This will enhance the quality of holistic care she can provide her patients.</p
Developing as a leader within healthcare is one of Millie’s passions and she is a strong advocate for the sharing of knowledge at every level. Her belief is that providing mentorship opportunities will be key to bringing more members of the black community and greater diversity into her profession and the wider healthcare community.