Twila Nkombo – clinical research nurse and member of Zambian Nurses in the UK (AZNUK)

As part of Black History Month 2026, we're sharing the experiences and reflections of Black nursing and midwifery professionals, exploring this year's theme, Honouring Our Communities.

Twila Nkombo is a clinical research nurse, PhD student at the University of Southampton and Founder and Director of Woman of Purpose CIC. Here, she reflects on her Zambian heritage, the people who have influenced her professional journey and the importance of supporting others.

Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your professional journey in nursing?

I'm currently working part-time as a clinical trials research nurse, alongside studying full-time for a PhD in Psychology at the University of Southampton.

I qualified as an adult nurse in 2015 and began my career in gastroenterology nursing before gaining experience across medical and surgical wards. I later moved into nursing education, supporting newly qualified and internationally educated nurses, as well as trainee nursing associates.

In 2020, I became a Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at the University of Roehampton, where I worked until 2024. It was through my experience in nursing education that I discovered my passion for teaching and supporting others.

My PhD research explores how Zambian culture influences mental health help-seeking behaviours in young women. My nursing background and developing research skills sparked my interest in bringing nursing and research together, leading me to my current role in clinical trials.

Can you tell us a little about your heritage and what it means to you?

I'm a Black African woman from the Mambwe tribe in Zambia. I was born in Kitwe and moved to the UK when I was 14.

I like to think of myself as a "ZamBrit Babe" (Zambian British Babe), with the privilege of having two homes: Zambia and the UK. My Zambian roots and my experiences growing up in Britain have both shaped who I am today.

My heritage gives me a sense of identity and belonging. It connects me to where I've come from and helps shape what I want to contribute to others. As a mother, it also makes me think about the cultural values I want to pass on to my children, so they can understand their roots while finding their own place in the world.

Who or what has particularly influenced you during your professional journey?

My Christian faith, my mother Edna and my own curiosity have all influenced my nursing journey.

My mother is a retired nurse and has been a constant inspiration. Her strong work ethic, gentleness and quiet wisdom have taught me that you can be gentle and still be strong, and that knowing when to listen is just as valuable as knowing what to say.

My maternal grandmother Sylvia also used to say the Zambian Bemba proverb, "Uwakanwa taluba" – "the one with a mouth doesn't get lost". It means that someone who asks for directions never gets lost.

This has become my life mantra. I've learned not to be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance, even when I'm unsure whether I have everything it takes.

Before applying for my lecturing role, I reached out to ask whether my experience was enough. I did something similar before starting my PhD, contacting my now supervisor to discuss my research ideas.

Asking the right people the right questions has helped me move forward in my career. All thanks to Grandma Sylvia's words of wisdom!

What does being part of the Association of Zambian Nurses in the UK mean to you?

Being part of the Association of Zambian Nurses in the UK (AZNUK) gives me a professional and personal sense of belonging with fellow Zambian nurses.

In our diverse world, we all want to feel heard, seen and understood. Being part of AZNUK means I can connect with people who share my culture and experiences and feel that sense of understanding and belonging.

Can you tell us about Woman of Purpose CIC and what inspired you to establish it?

Woman of Purpose CIC grew out of a Bible study group and a series of virtual check-in sessions bringing women together from different countries.

Through these conversations, I recognised how important it was for women to have spaces where they could share their experiences, feel supported and connect with one another. This inspired our focus on Sisterhood, Oneness, Acceptance and Resilience (SOAR).

Today, we bring women together through community activities and opportunities for personal and professional development.

We've also partnered with the University of Lusaka to offer undergraduate scholarships to Zambian women from low-income families. We're currently piloting this initiative with one student, with hopes to support more women in the future.

For me, this work is about creating a community where women can support one another and have opportunities to thrive.

This year's Black History Month theme is Honouring Our Communities. What does that mean to you?

For me, honouring our communities starts with recognising the people around us and understanding how we can best support them.

As a mother, wife, PhD student, research nurse and founder of Woman of Purpose CIC, I balance many different responsibilities. I've learned that supporting others also means recognising my own strengths and limitations and knowing when to rest or ask for help.

Professionally, it means recognising and supporting the potential of others, including fellow nurses within AZNUK.

Personally and professionally, I believe honouring others means paying attention, responding with care and recognising when someone else can help. When that care is reciprocated, everyone feels valued and supported.

What does Black History Month mean to you, and what would you like people to take away from it?

Every month is Black History because we make history all the time. Black History Month gives us an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the achievements of Black people throughout the year.

For me, it's also about challenging expectations of what Black people can be or achieve, and having the confidence to ask questions and speak up.

As Grandma Sylvia used to say, "Uwakanwa taluba" - the one with a mouth never gets lost.

My biggest takeaway from Black History Month is to let your light shine throughout the year, and let October be the spotlight on all the history made.

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