Chidimma Umeaghadi: Black History Month Spotlight
Black History Month at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan honours the legacy and contributions of members of the university’s Black community. It is a time to listen to and learn about the accomplishments and lived experiences of the Black community. Join us every February for activities and learning opportunities about Black History Month.
Chidimma Umeaghadi
Roles in College
Chidimma is a graduate student in the master's program in pharmacy and works as a research assistant. She is also involved in various volunteer activities around the campus.
Cultural Background
Chidimma is from the eastern part of Nigeria and belongs to the Igbo tribe. She moved to Canada in January 2023. Coming from a large family with five siblings, family is an integral part of her life, providing strong support during both her weakest and strongest moments.
Inspiration
Chidimma's identity as a black female student has significantly shaped her academic journey. Her research focuses on understanding why people stop taking their medication for chronic diseases and finding ways to improve adherence. She aims to represent her community and address the challenges they face in accessing and adhering to medication.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
Chidimma has faced challenges related to self-bias and racial bias, particularly in social and professional settings. She often wonders if there will be others with the same skin color at events or work. She has learned to overcome these challenges by addressing the stigma and proving her capabilities through her work.
Future Aspirations
Chidimma's aspirations have evolved since moving to Canada. Initially, she dreamed of starting her own pharmacy business in Nigeria. Now, she aims to bridge healthcare and technology, focusing on improving healthcare service delivery through technological advancements. She plans to combine her passion for technology and healthcare to make a significant impact in Nigeria and beyond.
MORE: https://spotlight.usask.ca/black-history-month/black-history-month.php