LGBTQ+ Undergraduate of the Year: Meet This Years Winner and Apply to Be the Next Recipient

Clifford Chance LGBTQ+ Undergraduate of the Year Award 2023: Applications are open now

The LGBTQ+ Undergraduate of the Year Award recognizes hard work, talent and potential in the next generation of leaders. Clifford Chance is now accepting entries for their 2023 winner, looking for students who strive to make positive changes in the LGBTQ+ community. Whether it's by breaking down barriers and making a notable difference or simply acting as a visible role model in their field of work, Clifford Chance is keen to support, promote and reward the efforts of LGBTQ+ students.

Any self-identifying LGBTQ+ undergraduate on track to achieve a 2:1 or higher can apply to be considered for one of these awards. By entering, you could win the chance to work a one-week internship with the company, providing you with invaluable experience and networking opportunities. Applications are open now, and the deadline is 30 January 2023. Don't miss out! To read more about this opportunity, click here.

Hear from LGBTQ+ Undergraduate of the Year 2022, Joel Mordi

This year, international law firm Clifford Chance named their LGBT UGOY winner as Joel Mordi. Founder of MIF Nigeria, Joel shares their experience of being named winner of the Clifford Chance LGBT Undergraduate of the Year Award 2022:

Nothing prepared me for the joy of winning the Clifford Chance LGBT Undergraduate of the Year 2022 – an internship with a magic circle law firm and an opportunity which came with funds to worthy charities of my choice. This feeds my passion to make a difference and helps me embrace the fear and joy of not knowing what the future holds for me.

One of the reasons I won the award may have been that I am one of the organisers of the first ever month-long LGBTQ+ Pride protests in Nigeria. Thankfully they have not been the last as every year, since 2019, individuals and organisations have found the courage to organise Pride events, showing defiance in the face of adversity.

As a member of a marginalized group, my work is very personal, hence the emergence of my non-profit, MIF Nigeria. We mentor Nigerian students, advocate towards overhauling dated social policies, and advising public office holders on best ways to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We champion "inclusive learning" by providing educational resources and funds to vulnerable and disadvantaged students. Young girls in school are part of this group, as "period poverty" is a major hindrance. We support LGBTQ+ youth through homelessness, declining mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. LGBTQ+ identifying students are being left behind during and long after initial education. This is due to draconian anti-gay laws which are often remnants of past colonial regimes, as well as harmful religious doctrines. This reality of course is not unique to the African diaspora but stretches globally.

Most recently, I have had the honour of being a speaker for akt at the Labour and Conservative party conferences. I have talked about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, leading to unprecedented levels of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness, declining mental health and wellbeing. Some of the hardest hits are LGBTQ+ migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers who also experience language barriers. Non-profits and services are at overcapacity. It is time to step up and hold government accountable for their promises of leaving no one behind.

All these social issues have inspired me to take on one of my most ambitious projects yet. "Project 17" will see me raise funds and awareness for events and organisations such as UK Black Pride, Safe Passage International and others, working under the umbrella of the SDGs.

My internship at Clifford Chance has been productive and engaging, and I could not be more thankful. Thank you to management and staff, and to Ms Goswami Nina and Mr Samuel Muturi. Inclusion is not just a buzzword at CC, it's holistic action from the bottom up. Thank you! 

Clifford Chance is looking for the next generation of leaders. Applications for LGBTQ+ Undergraduate of The Year 2023 are now open. Apply now.