Black Affinity Network Global Talent Meet
Bringing together Black professionals from around the world
An opportunity for Black professionals to connect, learn and grow.
Our global Black Affinity Network (BAN) was established in 2015 and supports the firm’s commitment to broadening Black representation at all levels of our firm and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Freshfields’ Black Affinity Network recently hosted its 4th global talent meet in London, bringing together almost 100 Black professionals from 11 of the firm’s offices. Fostering a sense of community among the attendees, the event focused on career development and re-connecting Black individuals across the firm’s network.
The two-day event featured open discussions with senior leaders about career progression at Freshfields, as well as a strategy insight session attended by Senior Partner Georgia Dawson and other key senior leaders from around the firm.
In addition, speakers Sandie Okoro, General Counsel for Standard Chartered Bank, and Sophie Chandauka, Head of Americas Risk Management and Intelligence at Meta and Founder of the Black British Business Awards, shared their insights and experience on navigating their careers as Black professionals.
Skills sessions were also held, including a session on the power of networks with Julian Richard, Director of Extense, and Freshfields’ Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing, Helen Ouseley.
The event was a timely reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as of community and allyship. Following the talent meet, BAN colleagues shared their reflections and suggestions with leadership on how we can continue to collectively evolve our efforts.