Laying foundations for the work ahead

Alumni Relations

Wednesday 10 September 2025

After founding her own non-profit, Special Needs Initiative for Growth (SNIG), Racheal Inegbedion (MSc 2023) pursued a postgraduate degree in Sustainable Development to equip her with the tools she needed to drive long-term change. Racheal discusses finding a sense of belonging at St Andrews, her continued work in inclusion and her vision for the future.

 The path to St Andrews

My journey to St Andrews did not start with a carefully drawn roadmap; it began with a growing sense of responsibility. For years, I had been actively involved in workforce development projects, supporting individuals with disabilities through a non-profit I founded, Special Needs Initiative for Growth (SNIG),also known as Initiative for National Growth Africa. While that work was deeply meaningful, I realised that commitment alone wouldn’t be enough to drive the long-term changes I envisioned. I needed sharper tools, exposure to how systems function in different contexts, how policies are developed, and how evidence-based approaches can be applied to solve real-world challenges. This realisation led me to apply for an MSc in Sustainable Development at the University of St Andrews.

I found myself at a professional and personal crossroads. I was proud of the impact SNIG had made, but I also saw structural gaps that I was not yet equipped to address. I wanted a programme that went beyond theory and would strengthen my understanding of development, governance and sustainability through a global lens. The MSc in Sustainable Development stood out to me because of its applied approach, respect for both formal and community-based knowledge, and strong academic foundation.

Beyond the curriculum, I was drawn to the environment the University offered – one that encouraged reflection, personal growth and intellectual exploration. I was not simply looking for another credential – I was seeking a place where I could think more deeply, refine my leadership and recharge for the work ahead.

I arrived at St Andrews with a clear focus, to study intentionally and return better prepared to lead. The University’s balance of academic excellence, tradition, and global engagement gave me what I needed and more. It opened new networks, sharpened my thinking and built my confidence to engage in high-level discussions on development planning, resource access and systemic change.

A home away from home

One place I will never forget is the Old Burgh School. It was a quiet corner tucked away from the main roads, but for we postgraduates, it was everything – a warm spot to think, work or simply pause. I would sit in one of the side rooms for hours, reading, writing or just listening to the hum of other students going about their day. It made studying feel less lonely – it gave me a rhythm. Sometimes I didn’t even need to talk to anyone, just being there gave me a sense of belonging.

Through my regular attendance at Thursday evening Bible study sessions, Fiona Barnard, Honorary Global Chaplain, introduced me to the International Student Local Link Scheme. Through this programme, I connected with St Andrews residents Charles and Jill Walker, who became like family to me during my time at the University. They check in, send love and offer me a soft landing to this day – that kind of care is rare, and I will never take it for granted.

I’m thankful for the friendships I formed with my fellow students – some in Masters programmes, others studying towards a PhD, but we were all in that same postgraduate boat. I fondly remember and value the friendship of Dr Gyasiwa Louisa Arhin, together with colleagues from my home country and other parts of the world. We would share late-night study tips, celebrate little wins, and encourage each other through tough times. I’m happy to say that some of these friendships remain strong today, as they stand by me through different seasons of life.

My dissertation supervisor, Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood, was more than just a lecturer; she believed in my research, inspiring me to push harder – giving me the space to explore, question, and grow. I was honoured to be nominated for the Principal’s Medal by the Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies during my time at St Andrews, which allowed me to recognise my impact as a student as well as encouraging me to continue to strive for greatness.

I am grateful for the professional advice from Dr Morven Shearer, the Provost of St Leonard’s College, and Dr Catherine Dunford, who was Alumni Relations and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Engagement Officer at that time. They both helped me think about life beyond the classroom, and how to shape a meaningful career while staying grounded in who I am and where I come from.

Making memories

Outside of study hours, I loved walking along West Sands, especially during sunset. The sight of the sky over the sea had a calming effect, reminding me to slow down. I always looked forward to May Dip, which I didn’t just take part in for tradition’s sake; it was also a reminder to start each new season with courage, no matter how cold the water gets. 

I produced and hosted a Radio show on STAR FM, the student radio station for St Andrews. The show featured honest conversations about the challenges faced by students from various communities, including those navigating life with disabilities. We explored issues such as access to education, mental health, cultural misunderstandings, bias on campus, and how different backgrounds shape the student experience. I am proud to say that the show went on to win People’s Choice at the STAR awards in 2023.

The show shone a light on student-led solutions, practical ideas for improving campus life, and how institutions can do better. It provided a space for stories, insights, and strategies that aimed to make the St Andrews community a safe, balanced and open space for everyone.

Zest Café, Northpoint, and the benches near St Salvator’s Quad were my usual haunts on campus. Here, ideas took shape and friendships grew. St Andrews gave me more than a degree; it gave me grounding, community, and a quiet kind of strength. I do not see it as a title I earned, but rather as a foundation I carry forward into everything I do.

The work continues

Since graduating, my journey has been rooted in practical research, public service, and developing more effective systems for people, especially in the field of workforce development. I am currently pursuing my PhD in International Public Health, Global Inclusion, and Social Development at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass).

I host and produce a radio programme, reminiscent of my time at St Andrews, for WUMB 91.9 FM – the UMass radio station. Here, I bring in academic experts as well as community and international leaders to discuss the work they are doing to improve lives, businesses and development. I have also taken up a position at the UMass Writing Centre, helping fellow students break down their writing tasks, speak up for themselves in their work and improve their academic writing process overall.

On top of my studies at UMass, I serve on a Climate Adaptation Forum Steering Committee, organising events which help communities to prepare for climate challenges, while protecting jobs, health and local economies. I also sit on the Board of the World Institute on Disability (WID), where I currently lead the International Engagement Committee, supporting the organisation’s global partnerships. 

Over the years, I have been fortunate to receive recognition for my work, including from the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and as an Ashoka Young Changemaker. I am a Mandela Washington Fellow alumna, and through US Department of State funding, I have co-produced two short documentaries:

• Inclusion Works, which was nominated at the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival, Australia
• Beyond Barriers, produced with Salama Africa, explored employment challenges for people with disabilities in Nigeria and Malawi.

SNIG was recognized at the Zero Project Awards for its approach to digital training and career support for youth with disabilities, selected from over 400 projects across nearly 90 countries. Our programme model helps young people gain fundamental skills in IT and entrepreneurship, preparing them for jobs or business grants.

My time at St Andrews continues to influence how I approach policy research, programme design and on-the-ground implementation. It remains a foundational experience that guides how I navigate the space between knowledge, leadership and practical action.

The work continues, because policy does not change lives on its own, real solutions do!