At The White Rose University Consortium, we are proud to spotlight the remarkable individuals who participated in the 2024 Equity in Leadership Programme. This pioneering cross-institutional initiative is dedicated to fostering diversity and equity in higher education leadership, creating pathways for transformative career progression.

Today, we shine a light on one of these inspiring leaders, showcasing their journey, aspirations, and the impact they’re making within and beyond their institution.

Professor Munitta Muthana, Professor of Immuno-oncology, University of Sheffield

Growing up in a traditional Muslim household, I was raised in a close-knit Yemeni community in Sheffield. My father immigrated to the UK in the 1950s to work in the steel industry after World War II, and I was one of six children. Both of my parents were illiterate until later in life, but their dedication to learning and their deep-rooted values shaped who I am today. 

Our home was filled with lessons of kindness, community, and pride in our heritage, but equally important was the emphasis on respecting other cultures. My mother’s determination, especially, has been my guiding light. Coming from a small Yemeni village with no electricity or running water, she moved to the UK in 1970, never having had the opportunity to attend school. Teaching her to read and write, sitting together as she mastered the alphabet, is one of my most powerful memories. It’s this love for learning that ignited my passion for education and has carried me through my career. 

Early Career and Educational Journey 

My educational background is rooted in science.  

After completing my GCSEs and A-levels, I pursued a BSc in Biomedical Sciences and later earned a PhD in Tumour Immunology from The University of Sheffield. Along the way, I also became a qualified youth worker. My journey in higher education began as a postdoctoral researcher, a role I held for six years, followed by two prestigious fellowships -Prostate Cancer Charity (2007) and the Medical Research Council (2010). I moved through the ranks, from lecturer to senior lecturer, and eventually to Professor in 2024. Throughout this time, I have been dedicated to teaching immunology across various courses, as well as to championing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).  

My role as School Director of One University, overseeing a School of over 900 staff, allows me to ensure that both staff and students thrive in a collaborative environment. It’s a role that speaks to my passion for creating inclusive spaces where everyone can flourish, regardless of their background. 

From an early age, I’ve had a deep passion for science and an insatiable curiosity to keep learning. This drive to expand my knowledge naturally led me to higher education. Beyond just learning, I found immense joy in sharing what I’ve learned with others. Teaching the next generation and inspiring them to explore new ideas has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. 

Key influences or inspirations in the early stages of your career

I was fortunate to have excellent supervisors early in my academic journey. Their guidance and mentorship were key in helping me develop both the confidence and determination to continue in academia. Their support made me realise not only that I could thrive in this field but also how important good mentorship is in shaping future careers.

“I would love to see more women from global majority backgrounds in senior leadership roles.” 

Overcoming Challenges 

The road to leadership, however, hasn’t been without its challenges. As a woman of colour and a first-generation academic from a working-class background –I grew up on a council estate, the path was often steep. I didn’t have the advantage of understanding the inner workings of academia, and navigating this world without clear guidance was difficult. Gender and race were constant obstacles, and I frequently found myself questioning my place in an environment where representation was scarce, particularly for those of us who grew up in socially deprived areas. But as I grow older, I’ve noticed my confidence steadily building. A significant part of this growth has come from seeing more women rise to senior positions in academia. However, I believe there’s still more work to be done. I would love to see more women from global majority backgrounds in senior leadership roles. Their presence will not only enrich the landscape of leadership but also empower future generations, showing them that they, too, can thrive and lead. 

Balancing a demanding career with personal commitments has also been a challenge. As a mother of three with a large family, juggling work and caring responsibilities has been an ongoing process.  

The Equity in Leadership Programme Experience 

In 2024, I was encouraged by a senior colleague to apply for the White Rose University Consortium Equity in Leadership Programme, and it has been impactful. The programme’s emphasis on understanding leadership styles, personality types, and the power of reflection (which I don’t often get a chance to do), has equipped me with a toolkit to improve how I manage both my time and my responsibilities. This has really improved my wellbeing. One of the most impactful aspects was the coaching—my first experience with a coach. It provided me with the space to reflect on my leadership journey in a supportive, trusting environment, and helped me overcome barriers that had previously held me back. 

Networking was another key benefit of the programme. Engaging with leaders across different universities allowed me to gain insight into their leadership journeys. I really enjoyed the networking activities as a tool for initiating those discussions.   

Achieving Success and Promotion 

Since I started the programme I have been promoted to Chair and my appointment as School Director. It gave me the confidence to reach out to leaders within my institution and seek support as I navigated my career. Through strategic conversations and sharing my CV with key individuals, I was able to align my achievements with the academic career pathway, ensuring my promotion was a well-supported process. 

The programme has taught me to be more reflective and strategic in how I manage day-to-day work. It has also provided me with a community of like-minded individuals, where sharing challenges and finding solutions together has been empowering. 

Future Aspirations 

Looking ahead, my focus is on continuing my work in the One University space, where I can address EDI, wellbeing, and sustainability issues. I’m also thinking about my next steps—whether that’s pursuing more senior leadership roles, such as Head of Department, Faculty Director or Dean, or focusing on my research. The possibilities are exciting, and I’m eager to continue making a positive impact. 

Advice for Aspiring Leaders 

For those from global majority backgrounds aspiring to leadership roles, my advice is simple: embrace the EiL programme, engage in the activities, become part of the community.  Surround yourself with mentors who can guide you, and always remember—you are not alone. 

About the author

Visit Munitta Muthana’s profile page