As a leading voice in UK race discourse and experienced Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) trainer, I was confident that the quality of training would surpass a box ticking or superficial format that this type of training is often criticised for. I was not disappointed! Through Muna, MA Education Consultancy delivered bespoke training on racial literacy that all staff to date have positively evaluated. I am delighted to be on this path towards raising consciousness amongst staff and students with MA Education Consultancy and look forward to continuing work with Muna in ensuring that colleagues and students continue to receive meaningful and challenging inclusion training in the future.- Dr Javeria. K. Shah, Schoolwide Inclusion Specialist, Royal Central School for Speech and Drama
I have worked alongside Muna as a fellow university lecturer and researcher for several years. Muna’s commitment and activism in the local community are infectious to fellow university staff and students. I lead a university course in which students find her inspirational. For me, Muna epitomises scholar-activism, as she not only offers in expertise in the realm of education, but on what she offers to those outside the classroom in the local neighbourhoods with families and young people. As a fellow colleague, I am still learning from her.- Dr Manny Madriaga, Senior Lecturer in Education at Sheffield Hallam University
Dr. Muna Abdi has had a powerful impact on the university, local, national, and global contexts she engages with. She has been particularly strong in helping communities uncover how dominant discourses on race and difference normalize oppression, i.e. how those discourses make the disparity that marginalized groups face seem like a normal part of daily life rather than the result of oppression by dominant groups. For me—an equity coach, professor of education, teacher educator, and researcher on racism in education—Dr. Abdi’s insights have helped me better understand how these discourses are used to marginalize students of color in public schools. Her knowledge has not only made my analysis stronger but also, by engaging me in critical and honest conversations about specific instances of racism, she has given me renewed impetus and motivation to intervene in marginalizing discourses and work in solidarity with educators of color.- Dr Benjamin Blaisdell, Assistant Professor, College of Education, East Carolina University
New approaches are needed to make progress in changing thinking around inclusion within Higher Education. Muna’s refreshing philosophy and non-confrontational training techniques mean that everyone is included and no one feels threatened. People are much more likely to listen and reflect. Initially we engaged her for anti-oppressive practice training at London Met University and everyone was blown away. We are now working with her on a much more ambitious programme which will see all staff benefit from her expertise.- Dr Zainab Khan, Pro Vice Chancellor, London Metropolitan University
t4
After Muna was recommended to me by colleagues at another secondary school, we already had high expectations for her INSET and Muna's training exceeded them. Her introduction to anti-racism sessions were both informative and inspiring, challenging us to think differently about our practices as educationalists. Her warm delivery allows her to strike the perfect balance of communicating uncomfortable truths with great sensitivity. We hope to build on what we learned at the staff INSET through future workshops with her, as we navigate this process of change.-Mr Sam Holdsworth, Deputy Headteacher, Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School
t3
Muna recently worked with us on a project to diversify the applicant pools for our academic posts. From the initial discussion to clarify the scope of the work to the final report stage, Muna was responsive, focused and creative in her work. With a highly effective skill set, she was able to apply a range of approaches to produce a report that was bespoke to our organisation that contained pragmatic and solution-oriented outcomes. She was a pleasure to work with and I have no hesitation in recommending her services. - Professor Damien Page, Dean of School, Carnegie School of Education
t2
Muna is an accomplished and progressive thinker whose work connects everyday narratives with professional practices in ways that have profound implications for social justice and reform. She is a powerful speaker and highly respected within both local community and institutional settings. Working with Muna has changed my practice, in ways that allow me to foreground the ethics of collaboration, reciprocity and care in teaching, community activism and research. Without Muna’s professional support, I would be a different educator and researcher, and I would be making more mistakes. - Dr Will Mason- Lecturer at the University of Sheffield
t1
Muna, as a scholar, activist, poet, and campaigner epitomises the role of a contemporary academic, with her tireless and unswerving commitment to social justice. Her grasp of relevant issues combined with the capacity to provide both substance and culturally relevant solutions to areas of concern ensures that the outcomes will be transformative. As society faces many uncertainties, there is a need to create new ways of seeing, changing and transforming, which Muna provides. Equally as important is the location of her work that brings together her intellectual capacity and strong commitment to community centred ideas. I would highly recommend Muna and her work to anyone wanting change, transformation, and insight into the changing nature of community and society. - Dr Martin Glynn – Senior Lecturer at Birmingham City University.