BSc International Business (Economics), Fylde, 2002

Lancaster graduate Aderonke (Ronke) Lawal, who is Director and Founder of Ariatu Public Relations, has received an Alumni award at the graduation ceremonies.

Born in Hackney to Nigerian parents, she has dedicated her life to championing diversity and inclusion. Ronke uses her PR consultancy to shine a spotlight on black entrepreneurs, helping minority ethnic talent to access life-changing career opportunities.

She is a mentor for the Cherie Blair Foundation, which offers enterprise development programmes for women entrepreneurs all over the world. Ronke’s involvement reflects her profile as an entrepreneurial trendsetter.

She is also a former Chief Executive of the Islington Chamber of Commerce, and is active in both the She Leads Africa and She Made it Happen movements.

Ronke joined the Board of Directors of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in January 2018.