Nancy Sangare, BA Journalism, reflects on producing the Progression Pathways podcast, speaking at major events and finding an incredible community.
When Nancy first joined the Progression Pathways programme at City St George’s, she was surprised by how quickly she found a close-knit community.
“I made lots of friends from the jump which I wasn’t expecting, and the organisers, Shannon and Evangeline are so friendly.”
Now in her third year studying Journalism, Nancy secured a podcast internship through the programme, a step towards her goal of a career in news production.
“It’s a chance to amplify voices that would maybe go unnoticed or unheard.”
Reflecting on how the programme has supported her personal growth, Nancy says:
“Progression Pathways has been a really special programme to me because of the character refinement I've gone through.
“Being around so many successful Black and Black mixed-heritage people and having the help and conversations made me realise I can set a goal and achieve it, even if it’s challenging or I haven’t done it before.
“Going into my third year, the support has helped me remain goal-orientated and hopeful for the future.”
Amplifying voices
Over four weeks, Nancy turned the 2026 Progression Pathways podcast into a platform for inspiring stories. She led interviews, coordinated guests, recorded episodes and edited the final production, creating an impactful series that showcased voices and experiences from across the community.
The podcast features conversations with a diverse range of guests, from City St George’s students sharing their journeys to Progression Pathways organisers Shannon Precilla and Evangeline Agyeman, and Giuseppe Baidoo, CEO of Gusto Snacks.
Hear the interviews on the 2026 Progression Pathways podcast.
Conversations explored the impact of the Progression Pathways programme, the UK Universities sector-wide awarding gap between Black students and White students, and the varied paths guests have taken.
Leading every stage of the production has given Nancy a real boost in confidence.
“Being the podcast intern made me realise I am going to be OK. I can do the work myself. I can hold meetings with people. I can do that.”
Nancy hopes the podcast will help others feel part of the community.
“It could be something people are able to connect with and learn more about Progression Pathways, especially if they feel worried about going to events alone, because you can make so many friends.”
Sharing her story on stage
In her second year, Nancy was a speaker at the Student Voices in Higher Education Conference, an opportunity she didn’t expect to have so early on.
“It was a really special moment, sharing my experiences, my perspective and my thoughts on student voice as a whole,” she says. “That being enough of a reason to be on stage was so crazy.”
In October 2026, Nancy took to the stage again, this time sharing her experience at the Progression Pathways launch event and inspiring new students to keep putting themselves out there.
Shannon, who founded Progression Pathways at City St George’s, said: “One of our proudest moments was watching Nancy share her story with confidence and openness. Seeing her stand up and bring her whole self to that room was really special.”
Nancy was also a panellist at the recent Diversify your Mind event, which focused on community and the importance of giving back, encouragjng students to explore diverse viewpoints and engage with lived experiences.
Finding community
“I made a close friend through the programme who was also on my course. They gave me a lot of advice about Journalism, and we probably would never have met outside Progression Pathways.”
“It’s a bit unbelievable how successful the programme has been in establishing community,” Nancy says. “The amount of friends I’ve made that I’ll meet outside Progression Pathways. There are so many more familiar faces in such a big institution now. It feels like a much more homely place.”
Much of that comes down to the organisers. “They still care about us outside of sessions, and they remember things we tell them. Next time we have a session, they’ll ask how things are going.”
Their emails and newsletters, full of things to do in London, add to that. “I feel like they’re adding to the student experience.”
Events that stand out
“It was a huge jump from sixth form to university, and having Progression Pathways was sort of like a buffer." Nancy says.
“Their events aren’t just one type of thing. It’s not just careers, just wellbeing or just fun. It’s everything."
The very first event, a talk by author Kenny Imafidon, left a lasting impression. “It was really interesting to hear from a Black author and what he has done with his education.”
The LinkedIn Launchpad event helped Nancy set up her profile, and the networking that follows events has encouraged her to look for roles in news production.
“It’s made me more career-focused. The types of conversations we have make me feel like I can do it, and that I should be seeking those opportunities.”
Another favourite session, Silencing the Saboteurs, encouraged students to reflect on habits that can hold them back. “Being a people pleaser could have been useful when we were younger, but in a competitive environment, it can be left behind.”
Looking ahead
As she approaches graduation, Nancy is looking forward to what comes next.
“I’m excited to be a successful Black woman in my field. I’m hoping at one point I’ll be able to come back and give a talk about how this programme has helped me. I’m really excited to put my skills into practice and try new things.”
Reflecting on what she’s learned about herself, she says:
“I have a lot more grit than I expected, and that grit can be built upon.”
Nancy's advice to students thinking about joining? “Definitely do it, don’t even hesitate. It’s been a crazy, amazing experience and it’s so incredibly fun. 1000%, you really need to do it.”
About Progression Pathways
Founded in 2024 by Shannon Precilla, Senior Student Success Officer, Progression Pathways gives Black and Black mixed-heritage students the chance to access development training earlier in their university journey.
The programme aims to address the awarding gap at City St George’s, where the difference between Black students and White students getting a first or 2:1 averaged 17 percentage points between 2021 and 2024.
Through career-focused workshops, personal development and a strong social network, the programme has made a real difference to the student experience of over 200 members.
How to get involved
Students can sign up at anytime:
- Clerkenwell & Moorgate campuses: Sign up through the Careers Hub.
- Tooting campus: Sign up using the online form.