Dr Melody Kuziwa Jombe
B-HUGs Co-Founder
Melody is a mature talented and independent individual aspiring to push accessibility of tertiary education to all (UN SDG#4) She completed a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), BCOM (hons) (cum laude) degree from the University of South Africa, Master of Philosophy degree (MPhil) in Strategic Management and PhD in Business Management at the University of Pretoria researching on Turnaround Management and Business Rescue. Melody is Deputy Program Director for With Year Abroad (WYA) and a Strategic Management Lecturer at the University of Exeter. Melody is passionate about advancing tertiary education to all marginalised and under resourced groups, ensuring easy access to education regardless of ones background.
 
Dr Safi Darden
B-HUGs Co-Founder
Safi is a researcher in animal behavior, with experience working across various vertebrate and invertebrate species. Her research focuses on how individual behaviors influence population-level processes and patterns. A primary area of interest is understanding how inter-individual interactions drive social evolution. Using the Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata) as a model, Safi has developed a unique framework to investigate the selection of social traits in the context of sexual conflict and cooperation. Her work seeks to uncover the mechanisms that shape changes in social behavior.

Christopher Chikumbindi
B-HUGs Research Intern

Chris is an intern on the project and a final-year Business student at the University of Exeter. With a strong interest in the role of mentorship and guidance in education, he is eager to explore how role models can inspire and empower students. His academic background and enthusiasm for driving positive change make him a valuable contributor to the project.

Ruvimbo Joy Chauruka
B-HUGs Research Intern

Joy is an intern on the project and a penultimate-year BSc Economics student at the University of Exeter. Passionate about understanding the impact of mentorship and role models, she brings insights from both her academic studies and prior internship experiences. Her work focuses on exploring how role models can positively influence student outcomes in higher education.

Fatou is a second-year BSc Economics student with a strong belief in the power of representation. She joined BHUGs to help create a space where young Black students feel seen, heard, and inspired to imagine more for themselves. Passionate about equity and empowerment, Fatou brings fresh perspective and dedication to the team, drawing from both her academic background and lived experiences.

Raitieli Rokotina Cabebula is a fifth-year Master of Law (LLM) student on the SQE pathway. For her final year at university, she joined BHUGs with the intention of dedicating her skill set to a meaningful cause. Passionate about justice and social impact, Raitieli brings a thoughtful legal perspective and a commitment to advocacy to the team’s mission.