The School of Law at Queen’s University Belfast is thrilled to celebrate the achievement of Dr. Gift Sotonye-Frank, Lecturer and the School’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Lead. On March 20, 2025, Dr. Sotonye-Frank was named the ‘Workplace EDI Champion’ at the inaugural Northern Ireland Hummingbird Awards, held at Belfast City Hall. This prestigious accolade recognises her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion within our School and beyond.

The Northern Ireland Hummingbird Awards, organised by the Community Relations Council, celebrate individuals and organisations making significant strides in fostering inclusive workplaces and communities across the region. With 10 categories—including Diverse Employer and Workplace EDI Champion—the awards highlight outstanding contributions to EDI across public, private, and community sectors. Dr. Sotonye-Frank stood out in a highly competitive field, earning recognition for her transformative work at Queen’s University Belfast’s School of Law since taking on the role of EDI Champion in 2023.

A Legacy of Impactful Leadership

Dr. Sotonye-Frank’s contributions to the School of Law have been profound and far-reaching. She established the EDI Working Group, a collaborative platform to drive meaningful change, and has championed inclusive decision-making processes across the School. Her efforts to diversify the curriculum—through resource materials and an EDI module review checklist—have enriched the academic experience for students and staff alike. Recognising the underrepresentation of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals in legal professions, she has worked tirelessly to connect students with employers and legal professionals, enhancing access and visibility for underrepresented groups.

Beyond the School, Dr. Sotonye-Frank’s influence extends to initiatives such as bystander training, mentorship programs, and EDI-focused events. Her leadership of the Black History Month webinar exemplifies her dedication to creating spaces where diverse voices are heard and celebrated. These efforts underscore her commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive environment, both within the university and in the wider community.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

Reflecting on her achievement, Dr. Sotonye-Frank said:
"I am truly honoured and grateful to receive the inaugural Hummingbird Award for Workplace EDI Champion 2025. This achievement is in recognition of individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to promoting Equality, Diversity & Inclusion within their organisation. Thank you to the community at Queen’s and the School of Law for the support. Thank you to the organisers, the sponsors, and the judges for this recognition."

Professor Joan Loughrey, Head of the School of Law, praised Dr. Sotonye-Frank’s accomplishment:
"This is a wonderful achievement that recognises the outstanding work that Gift is doing for the School. My thanks to Deirdre Timoney who nominated Gift. It is a credit to colleagues when you take the time to acknowledge and celebrate others’ achievements."

The nomination by Employability and Placement Officer, Deirdre Timoney, highlights the collaborative spirit within the School, where colleagues uplift and celebrate one another’s successes. Dr. Sotonye-Frank’s award is a testament not only to her individual efforts but also to the supportive community at Queen’s that amplifies her impact.