Meet Hilda, our Founder and Mentor.

Hilda began her academic journey by earning a Bachelor of Laws with Honours in 2020, graduating with First-Class Honours. In 2021, she completed the Legal Practice Course alongside a Master’s degree in Law, Business, and Management. She earned a distinction for her case study on creating diversity and inclusion in the legal field.

Now a Solicitor in England and Wales, Hilda specialises in Civil Liberties and Human Rights Law, with a deep commitment to justice that goes beyond her legal practice.

As a UN Women UK participant to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68 and CSW69), Hilda advocates for women’s and girls’ rights, recognising their vital role in building fair and thriving societies. She is also a steering committee member of Lawyers Against Poverty's Refugee Rights Group, working passionately to support marginalised communities and advance social justice and equity.

In addition to her legal and advocacy work, Hilda is a contributing author of the second edition of Beyond Bias: Unleashing the Potential of Women in Law. Her chapter, ‘Beyond the Buzzwords: Practical Pathways to Racial Equity and Representation in the Legal Profession,’ offers actionable guidance on building a truly inclusive legal field.

Hilda Kwoffie’s journey is a powerful example for aspiring legal professionals, especially women from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, showing how determination and advocacy can help transform the future of the legal profession. In recognition of her remarkable work, she was awarded Mentor of the Year at the Women and Diversity in Law Awards in March 2025 and shortlisted nominee for Positive Role Model for Gender at the National Diversity Awards 2025.

Meet Chloe-Ann, our Mentor.

Chloe-Ann is a Newly Qualified Solicitor at Foot Anstey LLP, a Top 100 Law Firm. Having completed seats in Succession & Tax, Commercial Property, Corporate and a client secondment with KFC, she has a range of experiences working with different teams in a Commercial Law firm.

Chloe-Ann began her legal career studying Law (LLB) at Cardiff University, graduating in 2019 with a First-Class degree before completing her MSc LPC with Distinction. She co-founded Cardiff University's Filipino Society and during her time as President, she helped establish the society ensuring it was a safe and inclusive space.

Chloe-Ann is passionate about creating more spaces like this and making them accessible. It was therefore a natural progression for her to incorporate this passion with her career ambitions and to focus her MSc project on diversity, equality, and inclusion in the legal sector.

Chloe-Ann has continued to demonstrate this passion and is one of the founding members of Foot Anstey's Asian Connections group, which she continues to co-lead, providing an open platform for colleagues with links to Asian heritage to connect. She truly understands how being part of a minority can bring additional challenges to pursuing a legal career; challenges which must be dismantled. She believes mentorship schemes like this are a great way to achieve that.

As a firm believer in 'you can't be what you can't see', Chloe-Ann Roberts-Hawkey is delighted to be joining The BAME Woman in Law team and is excited about working with women from underrepresented backgrounds to help them access this space, reshaping the future of the legal sector.

Meet Bessie Ogbobine, our Mentor.

Bessie is a Family Solicitor at Veale Wasbrough Vizards (VWV), a Top 100 UK law firm. She works on matters dealing with divorce and financial proceedings, private children matters, cohabitation issues, TOLATA claims, pre and post nuptial agreements and Family Law Act injunctions. She is also a Family Law Resolution member. 

Bessie started her legal career when she studied Law (LLB) at the University of Southampton, from which she graduated with an Upper Second Class with Honours. She went on to attain a Masters (MSc) with merit focused in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Durham University, in addition to subsequently completing her LPC with Commendation from the University of Law.

Bessie trained at a boutique law firm in Reading where she completed extensive training seats in Family and Crime, in addition to completing a short form secondment in Immigration Law at an award winning law firm in Oxford. Prior to this, she worked as a Paralegal and Legal Assistant in a range of areas such as Private Client Law, Asset Finance, Corporate Law and Court of Protection Law. After trying her hand at a number of areas, she gravitated to and qualified into Family Law because it exemplified her passion for helping others, especially whilst they are navigating difficult and transitional periods in their lives. 

With over 6 years of experience in the legal sector, Bessie’s desire to join The BAME Woman in Law stems from her own journey in the profession so far. She is passionate about exhibiting that careers in the legal field do not need to be linear and she encourages others to explore various sectors and diversify their legal experience. She is dedicated to lifting the voices of fellow women of colour in the sector and promoting the interests of black women.

Bessie has recently featured in an article by the Lawyer titled ‘What do Black Women in Law need from their supervisors?’, to shed light on ways that managers can support black women in law. She believes that mentorship is crucial as it provides women of colour with a sense of community and support which is greatly needed in the field.

Bessie Ogbobine is looking forward to uplifting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic women by being part of a programme that facilitates opportunities for their growth and development.

Meet Iara Encarnacao, our Mentor.

Iara is a passionate and driven legal professional committed to making a difference in the legal field and empowering the next generation of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women to break into the legal world, no matter the role or career path they aspire to.

Iara currently works at a top 4 law firm in Scotland as Executive Assistant and Immigration Caseworker in the Employment and Immigration sector. In this role, she supports complex immigration cases while gaining hands-on experience in Employment and Immigration Law, further deepening her practical legal expertise.

Previously, Iara worked as a Court Reporter/Shorthand Writer at Larking Hodge Pollok, attending hearings and meticulously documenting proceedings, giving her a unique insight into courtroom advocacy. She also served as a Personal Administrative Assistant at Eastgate Chambers, conducting legal research, supporting immigration clients, and assisting with case preparation.

Iara is currently pursuing her Master of Laws (LLM) in International Criminal Law at the University of Law, building on her LLB in Law with Criminology. She specialises in International Criminal Law, Civil & Criminal Litigation, Mental Health Law, and Domestic Human Rights; areas she is deeply passionate about. Her academic journey reflects her dedication to addressing societal issues and supporting vulnerable groups, particularly those from BAME backgrounds.

Since childhood, Iara has been committed to giving back to her community. Her awareness of disparities faced by Black individuals and people of colour has fuelled her determination to break barriers and create opportunities. She has supported marginalised communities through her pro bono work with the Chester Community Law Project and currently serves as President of Junior Lawyers Against Poverty for the University of Law Online Campus, leading projects focused on human rights and access to justice while fostering collaboration and inclusion.

Iara Encarnacao firmly believes that women from BAME backgrounds deserve to take up space in the legal world and should never be afraid to claim it. She embodies the philosophy that when told “you can’t,” you show exactly how you will. She is thrilled to bring her experience, expertise, and passion to The BAME Woman in Law team.

Meet Ronke Bain, our Mentor.

Ronke is an experienced Chartered Legal Executive specialising in Clinical Negligence. 

Having started her legal career at a national law firm in 2016, Ronke qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2019 and has extensive experience advocating for clients in complex claims. In 2025, her achievements were further recognised when she became an Associate Chartered Legal Executive at Hudgell Solicitors. 

Ronke is passionate about fostering fairness, diversity, inclusion and collaboration in the workplace. Her core values, respect, selflessness, honesty, kindness, integrity, dependability, and reliability, guide her professional and personal life. 

Ronke understands the value of mentorship, particularly within the BAME community, where aspiring legal professionals often face greater barriers to entering the industry. Recognising this, she is dedicated to empowering and nurturing the personal and professional growth of junior lawyers.

In 2024, she contributed to an article for Black History Month in The Lawyer, which touched upon how supervisors can best support black women in the legal field.

Determined to be the mentor that her younger self needed, Ronke is passionate about guiding others, building their confidence and helping them thrive in the legal field. 

Outside of work, Ronke Bain is a mother of twins and an advocate for balancing a successful career with family life. She is delighted to be joining The BAME Woman in Law as a mentor and looks forward to sharing her experiences and supporting others on their journey to success.

Meet Maame Adjoa Boatema Takyi, our Mentor.

Maame is currently a Client Experience Expert at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, one of the UK’s leading national law firms. Her role allows her to combine her passion for people with her legal knowledge, ensuring that clients receive not just legal support, but a consistently high standard of care and communication throughout their legal journey.

Maame’s academic background began with a BA in Information Studies and History, where she graduated with a Second-Class Upper Division. With a growing interest in justice and advocacy, she took the bold step to pivot into law, completing her MA Law (Conversion) with Commendation at the University of Sheffield. This transition deepened her understanding of the legal system and strengthened her commitment to using law as a tool for empowerment and change.

Maame’s legal interests lie in Criminal Law and Medical Negligence, areas where empathy, fairness, and justice intersect. Her MA dissertation explored the defence and trials of battered women who kill their abusers, examined through a feminist lens; highlighting her commitment to using legal scholarship to amplify the voices and experiences of marginalised women.

As a passionate advocate for women and girls’ rights, Maame is especially driven to see more women, particularly those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds thrive in the legal profession. Her own journey into law has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering desire to help others overcome barriers in the field.

As a mentor at The BAME Woman in Law, Maame is committed to pouring into others the encouragement, insight, and support she herself would have benefited from earlier in her legal career. She believes in the importance of visibility and representation and understands how critical it is for aspiring lawyers to see people who look like them succeed.

Maame hopes that through her mentoring, more BAME women will be empowered not only to enter the legal field, but to lead and create lasting impact within it.

Maame Adjoa Boatema Takyi believes that when one woman rises, she brings others with her, and she is proud to walk alongside the next generation of BAME women in law, cheering them on every step of the way.

Meet Andréa Awoniyi, our Mentor.

Andréa is a Family Law Barrister at 42 Bedford Row Barristers, where her practice spans a wide range of Chambers’ specialisms, including private and public children’s law, family finance, and domestic abuse.

A fierce and confident advocate, Andréa combines critical and lateral thinking to secure favourable outcomes for her clients. She is widely recognised for her calming manner and tailored client care, which helps put lay clients at ease during often stressful and deeply personal proceedings.

Beyond her legal work, Andréa is a native French speaker and a Gospel Singer-Songwriter. She is committed to using her skills to serve vulnerable communities, volunteering with Not Beyond Redemption to represent incarcerated mothers navigating the Family Court process and supporting them in re-establishing and maintaining relationships with their children.

Her passion for equity and inclusion is further reflected in her role on the University of Exeter’s Race Equity Advisory Board, where she contributes to meaningful discussions and initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive academic and professional environment.

Passionate about mentoring, Andréa Awoniyi brings both her professional expertise and lived experience to empower and guide aspiring legal professionals.

Meet Paxtina Agyemang, our Mentor.

Paxtina is an aspiring barrister currently pursuing her Bar Training Course with an LLM at BPP University. A dedicated and high-achieving student, she graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Law, earning three academic awards, including recognition as the overall best student and top of her year.

With a deep passion for being a voice to the voiceless, Paxtina has consistently sought opportunities to make a tangible difference in her community. She volunteers with Citizens Advice, where she assists individuals facing complex legal and social issues, offering guidance and liaising with relevant agencies to help them find practical solutions.

Beyond her academic and volunteer work, Paxtina serves as a Student Voice Representative at BPP University, ensuring that student perspectives are heard and acted upon; a reflection of her commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and leadership. 

Paxtina’s hard work and dedication have been recognised through prestigious awards such as the North-Eastern Circuit Diversity Scholarship, the Middle Temple Access to the Bar Award, and the BPP Future Lawyer Scholarship, all of which celebrate her excellence, resilience, and contribution to diversity within the legal profession.

Recognising the transformative power of mentorship, Paxtina is deeply passionate about paying it forward. Having benefited from mentorship herself, she understands how guidance and encouragement can shape the trajectory of someone’s journey, particularly for those from underrepresented backgrounds.

As a proud woman of Black and minority ethnic heritage, Paxtina Agyemang is committed to empowering others who, like her, are navigating spaces where representation still matters. She is excited to join The BAME Woman in Law, a community that celebrates growth, facilitates opportunity, and uplifts voices that deserve to be heard. Through her mentoring, Paxtina hopes to inspire confidence, resilience, and ambition in others, proving that no dream is too far out of reach when you have the right support behind you.

Meet Joana Osei-Tete, our Mentorship Programme Coordinator.

Joana is a driven and passionate individual with an academic background in Political Science and French from the University of Ghana. Undeterred by the challenges she's faced, Joana is resolute in her pursuit of becoming a bilingual lawyer, with a particular interest in Commercial and Human Rights Law.

A devout Christian, Joana is committed to serving her community. She recently founded a mentorship programme for young ladies in her church, aimed at empowering them to grow in their Christian faith and develop valuable life skills, enabling them to reach their full potential.

Joana Osei-Tete is excited to be part of The BAME Woman In Law Community and is eager to help in the little way she can, while also learning and growing.

Meet Chiemena Oguoma, our Mentorship Programme Coordinator.

Chiemena is a lawyer based in Nigeria with a keen interest in personal and professional growth.

Passionate about continuous learning, Chiemena Oguoma believes in the power of self-improvement as a tool for excellence and positive impact.

Meet Mame, our Events Planner.

Mame, also known as Adubea, is a dedicated wife and mother of four with a strong ambition to become a Barrister. A proud LLB graduate of the University of Greenwich, Mame is passionate about using her legal knowledge to make a tangible difference in her community.

During her time at the University’s Legal Advice Centre, she gained hands-on experience conducting legal research, triaging clients, and drafting advice letters, particularly in matters related to housing and community welfare. This experience deepened her commitment to supporting individuals facing challenging circumstances.

Mame’s key areas of interest include Criminal, Family, Housing, and Immigration Law, and she continues to seek opportunities to develop her expertise and contribute meaningfully to the legal profession.

Mame Darko is excited to be part of The BAME Woman in Law, which she views as a valuable platform for her personal and professional growth as she works toward her goal of becoming a Barrister.

Meet Ewuraba Dadzie, our Events Planner.

Ewuraba is a Paralegal and a Law student at the University of Law, currently on her journey to become a Solicitor. Ewuraba is in the process of completing her LLM Legal Practice (SQE 1&2), and has through her studies and work experience, cultivated strong legal foundational skills. 

Ewuraba Dadzie’s legal journey is driven by her passion for helping others through righting wrongs, and she is committed to fostering creative growth in the legal industry.

Meet Rhea Valerie Tagoe, our Events Planner.

Rhea is a law student at BPP University with a strong passion for equality, advocacy, and access to justice. As an Events Planner at The BAME Woman in Law, she helps design and deliver impactful events that promote inclusion, mentorship, and visibility for underrepresented voices in the legal profession.

Rhea brings valuable experience from both the Ghanaian and UK legal sectors, blending a global perspective with a deep commitment to community empowerment. Her work reflects her belief that collaboration and representation are essential to creating meaningful change within the legal field.

Meet Dorothy Afrifa-Tweneboah, our Social Media Manager.

Dorothy is currently a Paralegal and pursuing her LLM (SQE1 & 2) at The University of Law, Sheffield, where she is delving into Business Law, Dispute Resolution, and the many fascinating facets of legal practice. Dorothy’s journey so far has been a mix of learning, growth, and building connections, whether through internships at law firms or serving as a student representative for the Sheffield Junior Lawyers Division.

Outside of work and studies, Dorothy is passionate about mentoring, food, and finding innovative ways to bridge gaps in the legal field. Dorothy believes in the power of community and collaboration and is proud to be part of a team that champions inclusion and empowerment.

Meet Adom Agyakwa, our Partnerships and Fundraising Lead.

Adom is a Law student at Brunel University London with a keen interest in Commercial Law and International Arbitration. Alongside her academic pursuits, she is deeply committed to promoting equality, representation, and inclusion within the legal profession.

As an aspiring solicitor, Adom is passionate about using the law as a tool to empower underrepresented communities and advocate for fairness and accessibility within the justice system. Her drive to make a lasting impact extends beyond her studies; she is dedicated to building meaningful partnerships that create opportunities for women of diverse backgrounds to thrive in law.

Through her role at The BAME Woman in Law, Adom Agyakwa hopes to contribute to a supportive and inspiring network while gaining valuable insight into the evolving legal landscape.

Meet Tamera Gweth, our Partnerships and Fundraising Lead.

Tamera is a first-year Law student at Brunel University London with a strong interest in Commercial Law and International Arbitration. She is particularly drawn to the business-minded side of law, where she can help resolve disputes efficiently while keeping transactions on track.

As an aspiring solicitor, Tamera is passionate about developing strong client relationships through effective communication, active listening, and solution-focused thinking. Alongside her legal ambitions, she is committed to promoting inclusion and widening access to opportunities within the profession.

Through her role at The BAME Woman in Law, Tamera Gweth hopes to learn from experienced practitioners, strengthen her legal skills, and contribute to a supportive community that empowers women from diverse backgrounds to thrive in law.