The Courage to Plant a Seed
Kemi Oluyinka’s journey toward systemic change was not born in a boardroom, but in the challenging, high-stakes environment of a pupil referral unit. It was there she witnessed the disconnect between potential and opportunity, watching bright, curious students be dismissed as “bad behavior” due to undiagnosed needs. This pivotal realization, that the system, not the child, was often the barrier, became the catalyst for a career defined by structural advocacy. While the seed of the Black Teachers Network was planted in the isolation of being the only Black person in her teacher training cohort, Kemi understood that passion alone cannot bridge systemic gaps.
As she often reflects, “Caring deeply wasn’t enough on its own; I needed to do more and do it collectively”.
The Roots of Resilience
Kemi’s academic foundation began at the University of Essex, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise while actively participating in the African Caribbean Society. This early engagement with community building foreshadowed her later work in representation. Her transition into education saw her taking on roles as a Learning Support Assistant and Science Project Coordinator, where she began to see the intricate relationship between pedagogical delivery and student outcomes. Seeking to address the inequities she witnessed, she pursued the National SENCO Award at London South Bank University, formalizing her expertise in Special Education and Teaching. This period was marked by an emerging leadership philosophy rooted in her faith and a commitment to servant leadership.
Bridging Pedagogy and Precision
Kemi’s career trajectory is a masterclass in blending educational leadership with technical rigor. Rising to the role of Assistant Headteacher and eventually leading Special Educational Needs (SEN) transformation across London and Dubai, she identified a critical need for structured delivery in inclusion initiatives. By becoming a certified PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner, Kemi effectively bridged the gap between school leadership and formal project management.
This unique dual expertise allowed her to treat school improvement not just as a series of tasks, but as a series of “sprints” requiring real-time reflection and adjustment. As a colleague at Sunmarke School noted:
“Her clarity in communication and ability to give precise, structured instructions made collaborating with her incredibly smooth, especially in a special needs setting where consistency and clear expectations are essential”.
Empowering the Collective
In 2018, Kemi founded the Black Teachers Network (BTN) with a clear mission: ensuring the teacher workforce reflects the diversity of the society and the schools they serve. What began as a local initiative has grown into a powerful platform for professional development and community. Her impact has extended to global advisory boards and high-level consulting, including work with the BBC and Inclusive Education MENA.
Industry leaders have taken notice of her strategic evolution. Hannah Wilson, a prominent DEIB Strategist, reflects on Kemi’s growth
“She is a delight to work with; she is reflective, creative, strategic and ambitious in equal measures. Watching her speak at WELN UAE in 2025 filled me with pride about the leader she has become and the journey she has navigated”.
A Legacy of Stewardship
Today, as the SENCo for the Senior School at RGS Guildford Dubai, Kemi continues to champion the philosophy that leadership must center on humanity.
She believes that “leadership should create the conditions for people, staff and pupils alike, to thrive”.
Her vision for the future is one of intentional stewardship, using education as a transformative tool to build spaces where every individual feels seen and empowered. Kemi remains a woman of her word, dedicated to leaving the educational landscape better than she found it, one inclusive system at a time.
Editorial Note
Kemi Oluyinka’s career serves as a powerful reminder that systemic change requires both a heart for people and a head for process. Her journey from the frontlines of pupil referral units to global educational consultancy invites us to reflect on our own roles in fostering inclusion. Whether through the Black Teachers Network or her leadership in Special Educational Needs, Kemi demonstrates that when we lead with humanity and structure, we create the space for everyone to reach their full potential.
