Tell me a bio of Funke Abimbola.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Funke Abimbola MBE is a British lawyer, diversity and inclusion expert, and public speaker. Here's a brief bio highlighting her key facts, career, achievements, and impact:

**Early Life and Education**

Funke Abimbola was born in 1972 in Lagos, Nigeria. She moved to the UK with her family at a young age and grew up in London. Abimbola studied law at the University of Buckingham and later earned a Master's degree in Law from the University of London.

**Career**

Abimbola began her career as a solicitor in 1996 and worked for several law firms, including Wragge & Co (now Gowling WLG) and Roche Pharmaceuticals. In 2005, she joined Roche Pharmaceuticals as a senior lawyer and later became the Head of Financial Compliance. Abimbola has also worked as a non-executive director for several organizations, including the UK's General Medical Council and the Social Mobility Commission.

**Diversity and Inclusion Expertise**

Abimbola is a renowned expert in diversity and inclusion, with a particular focus on the intersectionality of race, gender, and social mobility. She has written extensively on these topics and has spoken at numerous conferences and events. Abimbola is also a regular commentator on BBC Radio 4's Today program and has appeared on other media outlets, including Sky News and The Guardian.

**Achievements and Awards**

Abimbola's achievements and awards include:

* Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2017 for services to diversity and inclusion
* Named one of the UK's most influential black people by the Powerlist in 2015, 2016, and 2017
* Received the 2015 and 2016 UK Diversity Legal Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion
* Shortlisted for the 2016 and 2017 Women in Law Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion

**Impact**

Abimbola's work has had a significant impact on promoting diversity and inclusion in the UK. She has:

* Advocated for greater representation of black and minority ethnic (BME) individuals in the legal profession and other industries
* Worked with organizations to develop and implement diversity and inclusion strategies
* Supported the development of diversity and inclusion policies and initiatives in the public and private sectors
* Inspired a new generation of BME individuals to pursue careers in law and other professions

**Publications and Speaking Engagements**

Abimbola has written articles and blogs for various publications, including The Guardian, The Times, and the Law Society Gazette. She is a regular speaker at conferences and events, including the annual UK Diversity Legal Awards and the Women in Law Summit.

Overall, Funke Abimbola is a highly respected and influential figure in the UK, known for her tireless advocacy for diversity and inclusion. Her work has had a lasting impact on promoting greater representation and opportunities for underrepresented groups in the UK.
Funke Abimbola is a British-Nigerian lawyer, diversity campaigner, and public speaker. Here are some key facts about her life, career, achievements, and impact:

**Early Life and Education**

Funke Abimbola was born in 1972 in Liverpool, England, to Nigerian parents. She grew up in a multicultural community and was raised with strong values of hard work, education, and community service. Abimbola studied law at the University of Sheffield and was called to the Bar in 1997.

**Career**

Abimbola began her career as a solicitor in 1997 and worked for several law firms in the UK, including Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co (now Gowling WLG). She specialized in intellectual property law and became a respected expert in her field. In 2015, she joined Roche Pharmaceuticals as a senior counsel, where she led the company's UK and Ireland legal team.

**Diversity and Inclusion Work**

Abimbola is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. She has spoken publicly about the challenges faced by women and minority groups in law and has worked tirelessly to promote change. In 2016, she founded the "Women in Law" network at Roche Pharmaceuticals, which aims to support and empower female lawyers. She has also worked with the Black Solicitors Network and the National Bar Association to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.

**Achievements and Awards**

Abimbola's achievements and contributions to the legal profession have been recognized with several awards, including:

* "Career Woman of the Year" at the 2017 Women4Africa Awards
* "Inspirational Woman of the Year" at the 2017 Global Woman Awards
* "Outstanding Woman in Law" at the 2018 Black British Business Awards
* "Most Inspirational Woman in Law" at the 2019 African Women in Europe Awards

**Impact and Public Speaking**

Abimbola is a sought-after public speaker and has spoken at numerous conferences and events on topics such as diversity and inclusion, leadership, and career development. She has also written articles and blogs on these topics and has been featured in several publications, including The Guardian, The Times, and Forbes.

Through her work, Abimbola aims to inspire and empower others, particularly women and minority groups, to pursue careers in law and other male-dominated professions. She is a role model and a trailblazer, and her impact is felt far beyond the legal profession.

**Other Roles and Appointments**

Abimbola is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the Advisory Board of the African Diaspora Network. She is also a governor of the University of Sheffield, where she studied law.

Overall, Funke Abimbola is a highly respected and influential figure in the legal profession, known for her commitment to diversity and inclusion, her leadership skills, and her inspiring personal story.