A dedicated and inspiring University of the West of Scotland student has been named Student Midwife of the Year at the 2026 Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Awards.

 

Mira Waligora was recognised for her impressive initiative, leadership, and contribution, not only to the women and families she works with, but also in her role as Vice-President of the UWS Midwifery Society. 

 

The RCM Awards celebrate, reward and share outstanding achievements in the midwifery profession across the UK. 

 

During her time at UWS, Mira was active in student leadership, establishing the UWS Midwifery Society podcast and developing initiatives for working with interpreters in maternity services.

 

She has led workshops on language, culture and interpreting in maternity care and has shared resources for working with interpreters to build knowledge and skills across the midwifery community. 

 

Her dedication led to her winning a grant from the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust in 2024, and she was also awarded the Trust’s Mary Cronk Award, which is given to an outstanding individual at the discretion of the trustees.

 

Mira is now working as a newly qualified midwife within the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board. Discussing winning the award, Mira said: “I feel honoured and humbled to receive the Student Midwife of the Year award. I am passionate about equitable, compassionate, person-centred and respectful care for all and am proud of the recognition of my work in this area.

 

My time as Vice-President of the Midwifery Society at UWS played a big part in strengthening my commitment to advocating for compassionate, evidence-based care and supporting students through their studies. Just as I have been supported by midwives in both the academic and clinical space, as well as my peers. 

“I am proud to be a midwife and cherish the positive difference each one of us can make to the families we care for.”

 

“I am proud to be a midwife and cherish the positive difference each one of us can make to the families we care for.”

Mira Waligora, UWS student and RCM award winner

 

Sheona Brown, Midwifery Lecturer at UWS, said: “Mira has been an exceptional student throughout her three years at UWS. We are absolutely delighted to see Mira recognised with this award. Throughout her time at UWS, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, compassion, and initiative. Her work to improve communication and cultural understanding within maternity services, alongside her commitment to supporting her fellow students, truly embodies the values of the midwifery profession.”

 

Mira has been an exceptional student throughout her three years at UWS. We are absolutely delighted to see Mira recognised with this award.

Sheona Brown, Midwifery Lecturer at UWS

 

Julie Edgar, Dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences, said: “Mira’s clear commitment to her studies and the midwifery profession make us exceptionally proud. She perfectly exemplifies our values and what we stand for at UWS and has demonstrated incredible professionalism, integrity, leadership and a deep sense of social responsibility. This recognition is not only richly deserved, but a reflection of the extraordinary impact she has already made as a student and newly qualified midwife. Congratulations, Mira – this is an outstanding achievement.”