Doctoral student inspires and shares insights into racial equity and inclusion

Chiedza Jane Ikpeh, born in Zimbabwe, raised in Leeds and now living in Liverpool, will graduate in November 2025 having spent four years at the University demonstrating academic excellence as well as actively engaging in work that extends beyond higher education, impacting communities, industries and the broader research landscape.

Chiedza’s research at the University’s School of Education has been focused on examining the career trajectories of black women teachers in UK secondary education, identifying barriers and enablers to progress.

Beyond her doctoral research, Chiedza has been an instrumental force in advancing racial literacy training and education, while advocating for race equity in educational and professional spaces. As a Training and Development Specialist at RARA Education Project CIC, she has designed and delivered impactful workshops and training programmes, equipping educators and professionals with the knowledge and tools to foster inclusive and equitable environments. RARA, which stands for Real and Authentic Representations of African and Caribbeans, is an organisation that centres the reduction or removal of barriers to social, educational and economic progress for the racially minoritised and often marginalised people and communities. 

Her commitment to racial justice and educational equity has positioned her as a thought leader in the field, influencing edu-practice through research-led interventions.

Chiedza has presented her research at major conferences in the UK and internationally. She has delivered her works at the Advance HE Annual EDI Conference, the Race and Socially Engaged Researcher Conference at York St John University and at universities including Loughborough University and the University of Liverpool. Her international contributions include presenting at the Association for Teacher Education in Europe (ATEE) Conference in Italy, highlighting her work on race, education and identity. She has also spoken on the TEDx stage at the University with her insights on identity, inclusion and experience.

Chiedza’s work in education extends beyond academia, as she has actively contributed to literacy development among young learners in rural Ghana through the FEED initiative. This ongoing campaign focuses on improving literacy, reading, and oracy skills for primary EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners. Her efforts have facilitated increased access to essential learning resources, created opportunities for children to enhance their literacy skills, and contributed to the broader goal of educational empowerment in underprivileged communities. The impact of FEED continues to grow, with measurable progress in student engagement and reading proficiency.

Her PhD supervisor, Associate Professor Chandrika Devarakonda, said: “As Chiedza  looks forward to graduating in November 2025, her journey stands as an inspiration to many. From groundbreaking research to impactful community work and global knowledge exchange, she embodies the spirit of resilience, excellence, and advocacy. Her time at the University of Chester has been defined by an unwavering commitment to scholarship and social impact and her future promises even greater contributions to academia and society.”

Chiedza said: “I’m incredibly proud to be reaching this milestone and so thankful for the support and guidance I’ve received throughout this journey—especially from Dr Chandrika Devarakonda and Dr James Holt, whose encouragement and expertise have been pivotal. This PhD has not only deepened my understanding of race and education but also strengthened my resolve to keep pushing for equity and access within and beyond academic spaces. As I look ahead, I’m excited to build on this work, contribute to meaningful change and create space for others to do the same.”