It is a great privilege to celebrate Salome Mare-Walsh as part of Black History Month.
Salome is a psychotherapist working within the NHS and an entrepreneur whose commitment to creating meaningful change extends far beyond the boundaries of her formal role. Through her professional work, leadership, advocacy and unwavering commitment to equity, she has become an influential figure whose impact is felt across healthcare services, communities and the lives of people from minoritised backgrounds.
What stands out most about Salome is not simply the range of positions she holds, but the values that underpin everything she does.
She is driven, motivated, compassionate and deeply approachable. She possesses a rare ability to connect with people from all walks of life while remaining steadfast in her principles. She is not afraid to challenge systems, question assumptions or advocate for change when she sees injustice.
This courage, combined with her warmth and authenticity, makes her a respected colleague, leader and role model.
Salome’s work is guided by a commitment not merely to equality, but to equity. She understands that treating everyone in exactly the same way does not necessarily produce fairness. True fairness requires us to recognise and address the barriers people may face because of their racial, cultural or social backgrounds.
Whether through her work within the NHS or her own private enterprise supporting people from minoritised communities, Salome consistently works to create opportunities, amplify voices and improve access to support for those who have historically been underserved.
As Chair of the MECN in Merseyside, Salome has demonstrated outstanding leadership by bringing together people from different racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Through this role, she has helped to foster connection, understanding and collaboration across communities.
Her leadership creates spaces in which people feel heard, valued and empowered. The importance of this work cannot be overstated. In a society where many people continue to experience exclusion, discrimination and marginalisation, Salome’s efforts help to build stronger, fairer and more inclusive organisations and communities.
What makes her achievements particularly remarkable is that her influence reaches far beyond what might typically be expected of someone in her position.
Salome demonstrates that creating meaningful change does not require holding the most senior title within an organisation. Instead, she shows what becomes possible when someone combines vision and determination with genuine care for other people.
Whatever her formal position may be, Salome finds ways to make a positive difference, inspire others and challenge the status quo.
As a colleague, I have always enjoyed working alongside her. She brings energy, insight and purpose to everything she does. Her contributions extend beyond individual projects or pieces of work; she helps to shape the culture of every environment of which she is a part.
She encourages others to think critically, act compassionately and remain focused on the people and communities they serve. Her influence is felt not only through her direct actions, but also through the way she inspires those around her to become better advocates, practitioners and leaders.
As someone from a South Asian background, I personally recognise and appreciate the importance of Salome’s work.
While her contributions undoubtedly benefit Black communities, their impact reaches far beyond any single group. Her advocacy and leadership have positive implications for people from a wide range of minoritised backgrounds. Her commitment to justice, inclusion and opportunity helps to create the conditions in which everyone has a better chance to thrive.
This ability to build solidarity across communities is one of Salome’s greatest strengths. She recognises that our experiences may differ, but that progress becomes possible when people listen to one another, challenge inequality and work together.
If there is one quality that best captures Salome’s contribution, it is her ability to create meaningful change wherever she goes.
It often feels as though Salome could be placed in any environment, organisation or community and would quickly identify opportunities to make a positive difference. This is a testament not only to her professional skills and expertise, but also to her character.
She notices who is not being heard. She recognises where barriers exist. Most importantly, she is prepared to do something about them.
For her leadership, advocacy, professional excellence and unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion, Salome is richly deserving of recognition.
Her contribution embodies the spirit of Black History Month and this year’s theme, Honouring Our Communities. Her story reminds us that stronger communities are built by people who are willing to listen, lead, challenge injustice and make space for others.
Salome does all of these things with courage, warmth and integrity.
I can think of few individuals more deserving of recognition than Salome Mare-Walsh.