UK-based Nigerian lawyer and activist Sandie Okoro has been at the forefront of projecting African women in a positive light in the diaspora through hard work, determination, and commitment to the legal practice and international finance.

In the 2024 New Year Honours, Sandie Okoro was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), thanks to her commitment to international finance and diversity and inclusion. She is also a Honorary Bencher of the Middle Temple in the UK.

In July 2024, Sandie Okoro made history by becoming the first female Chancellor of the University of Birmingham. The Nigerian is only the eighth chancellor of the reputable academic institution and will be replacing Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea (CBE).

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The interesting part of her achievement is that she also graduated from the institution. Sandie, who currently works with Standard Chartered said the “wonderful University of Birmingham is the alma mater to three generations of the Okoros, my mum, me, and my son. So my connection to it is very special indeed.”

“I have followed the university’s outstanding progress very closely since my days there as a student on a full grant back in the 1980s—its dedication to impactful research, its focus on creating an inclusive environment for talented, minority students, and educational excellence are themes very close to my heart.”

Further, she hailed her new role as “a fantastic opportunity for me to give a little something back to the amazing university that has given so very much to me and my family.”

Sandie Okoro’s outstanding exploits was captured by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, Adam Tickell:

“To hear Sandie talk about breaking glass ceilings and aiming high is inspirational and reflects the attitude and passion of our university and our commitment to championing equality, diversity, and inclusion.”

Sandie Okoro has a reputable CV having worked with global organisations like the World Bank Group, Schroders, HSBC Global Asset Management, and more. She has also won several awards such as the UK Black Solicitors’ Network Lifetime Achievement Award, 2019 Vanguard Women Award, FTSE Board’s 100 Women to Watch, and more.