University of West London (UWL) alumna Alica Burnett has been awarded an Honorary Master of Science in recognition of her outstanding contribution to support Black families affected by baby loss.
The honour was presented during the first day of UWL’s summer graduation ceremonies at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Tuesday 21 July.
A registered midwife, Alicia is the founder of Black Baby Loss Awareness, a leading grassroots movement dedicated to improving support for Black families affected by baby loss. Drawing on both her professional experience and her own personal experience of pregnancy and baby loss, Alicia has become a powerful advocate for improving perinatal bereavement care and raising awareness of the challenges faced by Black families. She also supports Black and mixed Black heritage women through a specialist helpline.
Driving change through awareness
In 2023, Alicia established Black Baby Loss Awareness Week to highlight the disproportionately high rates of pregnancy and baby loss experienced within Black communities. The initiative aims to increase awareness of the support services, healthcare professionals and organisations available to families affected by baby loss, while encouraging important conversations around inequality in maternity care and bereavement support.
A role model for future midwives
Introducing Alica to the graduands and guests, Clare Gordon, Head of Midwifery at UWL’s College of Nursing Midwifery and Healthcare praised her commitment to advocacy: “Alicia is a role model for student midwives. She has built a reputation in the wider midwifery community as an advocate for change and is committed to highlighting the challenges for black women and their families in maternity care.
“She remains passionate about supporting aspiring midwives to gain a better understanding of the midwifery profession, its potential rewards and existing challenges.”
Inspiring the next generation
Addressing the graduands, Alicia encouraged them to make a positive difference: “Today marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance and hard work. As you begin the next chapter of your lives, I encourage you to remain curious, compassionate, and courageous. Whatever path you choose, remember that your knowledge has the greatest impact when it is used