Monday 5 May 2025 is International Day of the Midwife and we wanted to share and celebrate amazing FNF Scholar midwives, past, present, and future.Â
We asked some of our FNF Scholars to tell us more about what their Scholarship meant to them and how it impacted their leadership journey. And to those about to start their Scholarship journey, we asked them to highlight the leadership skills they hope to gain on their life-changing experience, which will start this week with a Welcome Day in London.
Hopefully these fantastic individuals will inspire you in your career, and show the difference an FNF Scholarship or leadership development programme can make, whether you are looking to develop yourself or want to support others in order to impact on patient care.
A message from our CEO
"Happy International Midwives Day to all midwives in the FNF community! As an alumna and past midwife, I celebrate this year, 40 years since beginning my midwifery journey. Your dedication and compassion to continue to shape the future of midwifery during a time of extreme scrutiny is beyond exemplary. Thank you for all you do every day. Together, we honour this wonderful profession."
Greta Westwood CBE, RN, PhD – CEO Florence Nightingale Foundation
“Through the FNF Scholarship, I hope to grow as a courageous and compassionate leader, capable of challenging the status quo in maternity care. Our maternity system nationally is under immense pressure, and stories of care lacking kindness and empathy are far too common. I want to lead with bravery, integrity and the strength to inspire and enable midwives and maternity staff to do their jobs with compassion and bravery. I want to ensure that all women and birthing people have, not just a safe birth, but a positive and empowering experience of the care that they receive. This opportunity will help me develop the confidence, skills and network to influence meaningful change, ensuring that every woman, baby and family is met with the compassion and dignity they deserve”
Amy Oelhers – FNF Scholar 2025-2026
Matron Antenatal Services, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare
“David Bowie once said, ‘I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.’ That’s exactly how the Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholarship made me feel. It gave me the courage to take up space, be the change I wanted to see, and stop waiting for permission. I started the journey with imposter syndrome and a head full of questions, and I’m coming out with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
But the most powerful thing? The network. A group of fiercely intelligent and ambitious leaders who are motivated not by ego, but by impact. We lift each other up, push each other forward, and celebrate the kind of leadership that’s brave enough to do things differently.
This scholarship didn’t just help me grow as a midwife, it helped me become the kind of leader I needed when I was starting out. And I’m not done yet. Watch this space…”
Bridget Dack – FNF Scholar 2024-2025
Maternity Incentive Scheme Clinical Lead, NHS Resolution
“The FNF Leadership Scholarship marked a pivotal moment in my career, which ignited my leadership journey. It significantly enhanced my confidence and communication skills, empowering me to engage meaningfully with diverse audiences and influence positive change within the nursing and midwifery community. Now more than ever, we need midwives to step into leadership roles and champion the health and well-being of mothers and children.”
Mercy Mukubwa – FNF Scholar 2024-2025
Senior Staff Nurse, The Nairobi Hospital
“The FNF Scholarship has helped me find my voice as a midwife leader and the confidence to lead as my whole self – with compassion, purpose, and courage. It’s given me the tools to lead with authenticity and impact, and strengthened my belief that the most meaningful change in maternity care is built through relationships, empathy, and collective action. I’m proud to be a midwife, and proud to be a leader in this wonderful profession.”
Cheri Lewis – FNF Scholar 2024-2025
Senior Midwifery Information Officer (SMidIO) |Â Uwch Sywyddog Gwybodaeth Bydwreigiaeth (USGB)
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board |Â Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Cwm Taf Morgannwg
“I am really delighted to be taking part in the Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholarship.
I look forward to bringing back the knowledge and skills from the programme to Our Lady of Lourdes Maternity Unit in order to improve safety for the mothers, the babies and the staff of the unit.
This scholarship will enhance my leadership skills and improve ways of working and communicating within the senior management team of the unit.Â
I also hope to learn from other scholars and develop deep and meaningful networks that will continue to connect not only on the programme, but throughout my future career pathway.”
Gráinne Milne – FNF Scholar 2025-2026
Director of Midwifery, Louth Hospitals
“In 2019, I had the honour and profound opportunity to undertake the FNF Leadership Programme, an experience that significantly transformed my life. Reflecting on my time with the foundation evokes deep emotions. Throughout the programme, I dismantled my personal barriers, tuned in to my inner voice, and applied the tools and skills I acquired to rebuild myself—emerging stronger, more confident, and empowered.
This programme was the first leadership programme I completed that was uniquely tailored to my individual needs. The skills I developed have become integral to every facet of my life, extending beyond the workplace and into my home.
Moreover, I forged lifelong friendships during this journey. Together, we embraced the programme’s uniqueness and formed strong, supportive bonds. My FNF group has become my sounding board; we exchange best practices and continuously support one another.”
Hannah Horne – FNF Scholar 2019-2020
Head of Midwifery, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
