The University of law students' Union

A banner with a picture of Uche Adika, SU Copresident and a quote: In an increasing, volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world, one is often required to stay ahead of the curve by thinking ahead so we ask, what does thinking ahead mean to you?

TEDx @The University of Law Manchester

We’re thrilled to announce that The University of Law Students' Union is hosting our very first TEDx event, which is just around the corner. We have been working very hard behind the scenes and we can’t wait to share an inspiring day with all of you!

Date: Saturday 29th March 2025, 11am - 4pm
Location: The University of Law, Manchester Campus, 2 New York Street, M1 4HJ, Manchester
Link to Signup: https://forms.office.com/e/1hnL1ziHj6

This year’s theme, “Thinking Ahead” is all about pushing boundaries, reimagining the future, and exploring the power of innovative thinking in every aspect of our lives.

Whether you’re passionate about a career in law, business, technology, sustainability, creativity, or leadership, our TEDx event promises a diverse lineup of incredible speakers who will challenge your perspective and inspire you to think beyond the present.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of something special. Secure your spot today by signing up through the link below. Trust us – you won’t want to miss it!

 

Registration

https://forms.office.com/e/1hnL1ziHj6


Meet the team

TEDx@ULaw was made possible by a team of dedicated students and representatives:

 

Uche Adika

 

Uche Adika, SU Co-President Union Development

Project Chairman & Inaugural Licensee, TEDx – University of Law

“Staying ahead of the curve In an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world…” 

Uche is an experienced senior business executive with a demonstrated history of working in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. He is particularly skilled at strategy formulation and implementation, market research and analysis, project management, business process optimisation, and sales. Uche possesses a first degree in applied chemistry from the University of Calabar, an MBA from the University of Lagos, career development training from the Lagos Business School (LBS), an M.Sc. in Business Analytics from the University of Law Business School.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/uche-adika

A profile picture of Uche Adika

 

Oluwasola Adesulu

 

Oluwasola Adesulu, Project Manager & Co-founder (Director of Development)

Chair: Speaker Recruitment & Onboarding 

“Staying ahead of the curve In an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world…”

With years of experience leading and contributing to TEDx initiatives across various institutions, he plays a key role in shaping the strategic direction and growth of TEDx at the University of Law. Oluwasola enjoys contributing broadly within the wider student experience space. He contributes to national policy discussions at parliamentary forums, participates in student academic and social experience conferences, develops projects that enhance student experience policies and practices and, he is an active member of the National Union of Students. Outside of TEDx, Oluwasola is an Independent Advocate in the public health sector, where he expands his expertise in policy development to influence public health policy at the local, regional and national government level. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferzona-h/

A picture of Oluwasola Adesulu

 

Peter Bolaji

 

Peter Bolaji, SU Co-President Academic Affairs

"Life is like a game of chess, to succeed you need to anticipate, you need to strategize and think ahead. For me, thinking ahead means planning for the future."

A picture of Peter Bolaji

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-bolaji

 

Renu Guntur

 

Renu Guntur

Team Lead – Procurement & Logistics (Operations)

"Thinking ahead is about turning possibilities into realities. It's about making choices today that pave the way for a future driven by innovation, resilience, and purpose."

Renu is currently pursuing a Master's in Cybersecurity Management at the University of Law – Business School, Manchester. Renu also serves as the Secretary of the Manchester Business Society and has been an active IEEE member for five years, volunteering at events across the globe. She is currently a Data Privacy and Security Intern at DesignIgnite Limited, with a strong focus on technology, cybersecurity, and strategic management.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/guntur-renu

A picture of Renu Guntur

 

Rudolph Hanamji

 

Rudolph Hanamji 

Team Co-Lead – Marketing & PR, TEDx – University of Law 

"Thinking ahead is a call to action to create the future we want by utilising our lessons from the past, to inform our present-day decisions."

With over 20 years of managerial experience in marketing and business development across various industries, Rudolph is a passionate and strategic leader who drives growth and impact in the Caribbean region. I have a proven track record of providing guidance, support, and insights in planning and executing marketing, advertising, and promotional activities for diverse clients and stakeholders. I hold a B.Sc in Business and Marketing from the University of the West Indies, a M.Sc in International Business Development and Innovation from the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, and multiple certifications in financial inclusion, international protocol, technical writing, presentation, and project management. His mission is to make the world better and save lives by leveraging my expertise.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudolph-hanamji

A picture of Rudolph Hanamji

 

Misbah Ahmed

 

Misbah Ahmed, SU Campus Vice President Leeds 

Team Co-Lead – Marketing & PR 

"Thinking ahead to me is proactively strategizing to be the next world leader and truly believing you can do anything you put your mind to!" 

Misbah is the Student Union Vice President for the Leeds Campus and a final-year LLB student on our accelerated undergraduate course, currently achieving a first-class average. Misbah is a driven and forward-thinking individual who demonstrated remarkable ambition from an early age. With experience in sales, customer service, and business management, she became the youngest senior finance manager at just 18 and a property investor by 19. Having built a stable and independent foundation for herself at a young age, she then chose to pursue a career in law, determined to fulfill both her own aspirations and her immigrant parents' dream of seeing her become a first-generation barrister. Misbah’s journey is a testament to her resilience, ambition, and exceptional work ethic. Balancing leadership, academics, and entrepreneurial success, she continues to inspire those around her with her dedication and drive. There is no doubt that she is destined for great achievements in the legal profession and beyond.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/misbah-ahmed-244292201

A picture of Misbah Ahmed

 

Imo Ogwemoh

 

Imo Ogwemoh

Team Lead – Speaker Recruitment & Onboarding

“Thinking ahead encompasses learning from experience in order to prepare for whatever is to come.” 

I am an LL.M. Student at the University of Law London Moorgate, and an LL.B (Hons.) Graduate from the University of Exeter. I am a current volunteer at Citizens Advice, with a focus on Employment law disputes. I have a particular interest in Commercial law, and I am working towards qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/imoesi-ogwemoh/

A picture of Imo Ogwemoh

 

Drupath Yadav

 

Drupath Yadav

Team Lead – Sponsorship & Funding

“Thinking ahead  is our basic instinct, part of our DNA, often overlooked but extremely important both individually and socially."

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drupath-yadav/

A picture of Drupath yadav

 

Mirza Al Yessa Beg ("Al-Yessa")

 

Mirza Al Yessa Beg ("Al-Yessa"), SU Campus Vice-President Bloomsbury

Project Secretary

“Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before you are ill, your wealth before it is spent, your free time before you are busy, and your life before your death." - (Prophet Muhammad PBUH) 

Al Yessa is a final year LLB student at the Bloomsbury Campus, and an aspiring Capital Markets lawyer. He has served as SU Vice President for the Online and Bloomsbury campuses, and helped set up 19 societies and connect nearly 2000 ULaw students from around the world through online communities.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-yessa/

A photo of Mirza Al Yessa Beg

 

 

 

A banner with a picture of Kiyala Matanga, Campus VP Moorgate and a quote: Thinking ahead is an opportunity for us to explore new ideas, so that we can shape our future in a way that we can live lives that are meaningful and purposeful.

Agenda

Thank you to all our wonderful speakers:

 

Aaron Speak

 

Aaron Speak

I am very excited to be invited to ULaw's TEDx event, where I look forward to speaking about how the UK must think ahead to truly recognise the difficulties faced by state educated people and those from poor socioeconomic backgrounds. The Social Mobility aspiration is not the dream it is made out to be!"

A picture of Aaron speak

 

Emily Martin Pahl

 

Emily Martin Pahl

I am a MA Law conversion student at the University of Law who is a class rep and student ambassador. I previously graduated with a first class at King’s College London in BSc Psychology. During that time, I was president of the Psychology Society hosting over 20 events across two semesters which I won several awards for. Outside of my academics, I work as a professional model part time where I have worked with a range of clients such as Stormzy, Maya Jama and Zandra Rhodes. I have also shot for various reputable brands including Adidas, Reebok and Chanel. I am a tutor to Key Stage 2 and 3 students which I find fulfilling. My hobbies include running where I am part of a run club called BRKD off and I enjoy roller skating.

A picture of Emily Martin Pahl  

 

Dr Hewa Balisane

 

Dr Hewa Balisane

Dr Hewa Balisane is a Senior Lecturer, Principal Fellow of the Advance Higher Education Academy (PFHEA), and a passionate advocate for education. His journey began with a challenging transition to the UK, leaving his homeland behind and facing significant obstacles, including a lack of formal qualifications and limited language skills. Despite these hurdles, he has achieved an extraordinary academic career, culminating in a PhD and a leadership role in academia. Hewa’s story is a powerful example of how determination, strategic planning, and a forward-looking approach can drive transformative change. In his talk, he will inspire audiences by sharing insights into overcoming adversity and achieving success through resilience and vision.

A picture of Dr Hewa Balisane

 

Kavita Mohanty

 

Kavita Mohanty

Kavita Mohanty: Advocate by vocation, rhetorician by avocation. An Inner Temple Scholar, holding an LLM from Cambridge and a First-Class BA LLB, along with distinction in PGDL. As I train to be an English barrister, I coach students on public speaking at Clapton Girls’ Academy and South Hampstead High School, London. I am an award-winning lawyer with extensive experience as a Cambridge Union debater, addressing 350+ people, and a speaker at UNHCR Geneva, Essex Law School, and The University of Law, Bloomsbury. I delivered a presentation on migration and refugee rights. My speeches have a blend of emotional appeal and rational thought, making my message relatable and authentic to the audience. Academically, Best Oralist and five-time moot court champion; I’ve helped my university reach the global rounds of the Jessup Moot, ranking in the top 168 worldwide. My viral cross-examination (3M+ views) led to the creation of Mooting 101 with Mohanty, training students in trial advocacy and negotiation.

A picture of Kavita Mohanty

 

Holly Morris

 

Holly Morris

I am currently a student on the BPC at ULaw. After finishing my GDL in 2022, I started working for the CPS as a Paralegal Assistant at Inner London Crown Court. During my year and a half working on the front line of Criminal Courts, I saw the major difference technology can make to the effectiveness of a case working its way through the Crown Court. I was drawn in by the intricacies of criminal law and am currently applying for pupillage in criminal sets. I look forward to delving into the criminal world of during my talk and hope trigger some thinking points of how we can move the justice system forward.

A picture of Holly Morris

 

Amelia Maher

 

Amelia Maher

Amelia is a media and entertainment lawyer who currently works in-house at the TV production company, Big Talk Studios. Big Talk is the production company behind the hit series Ludwig, as well as The Outlaws, Friday Night Dinner amongst a huge variety of other comedies and dramas. Prior to joining Big Talk, Amelia gained experience working across a range of industries within the media and entertainment space. She started her career in the music industry where she freelanced as a music journalist, started a record label and then went on to work for major record label Sony Music UK and indie label [PIAS]. She briefly pivoted into advertising and worked for Apple’s bespoke advertising agency, Media Arts Lab, before finally finding her way into the world of film and TV. Amelia completed her formal legal training in-house at the award-winning animation studio Aardman where she worked on key productions such as Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, Shaun the Sheep: A Flight Before Christmas and Lloyd of the Flies. Upon qualifying as a solicitor, she then joined leading media law firm, Sheridans, where her clients included a wide range of production companies, animation studios, as well as digital and fashion agencies.

A picture of Amelia Maher

 

Tharneesya Arumainathan

 

Tharneesya Arumainathan

Tharneesya Arumainathan is a Bar and LLM student at the University of Law, Liverpool. She is a firm believer in the power of adaptability, and she has learned that the path ahead isn’t always linear, it's the detours that lead to growth. When she's not in the courtroom, you can find her on the dance floor.

A picture of Tharneesya Arumainathan

 

 

A banner with a picture of Peter Bolaji, SU Co-President Academic Affairs and a quote: Life is like a game of chess, to succeed you need to anticipate, you need to strategize and think ahead. For me, thinking ahead means planning for the future.