Sarah Flambard | Lawyer | Macquarie
Sarah is an experienced transactional derivatives lawyer with a passion for diversity, inclusion, and social impact.
She holds Masters in Business and Financial Law, and in Languages from the University of Paris 12 and an LLM in International Banking and Finance from the University of Edinburgh. In 2024, she expanded her expertise with certifications in Human Rights (City University), Social Entrepreneurship (LSE), and MBA Essentials (LSE). A dedicated advocate for DEI, Sarah co-leads her company's Black Employees network and serves on its DEI and Fusion committees, driving initiatives that create equitable opportunities and enhance representation, retention, and progression of underrepresented minorities. She has played a key role in fostering inclusion across the workplace and broader communities. Sarah's career spans top-tier international investment banks in London and Paris, where she has earned recognition for both her legal expertise and commitment to DEI. Beyond her corporate role, she is deeply engaged in social justice. Since 2022, she has volunteered and fundraised for Body & Soul Charity's youth suicide prevention programme, even making an appearance in their 2024 suicide prevention campaign video. She is also a Trustee at Hackney Quest, supporting young people in underserved communities, and the Founder of the project We Are Here, a digital platform aiming to map free resources for individuals and families affected or at risk of being affected by homelessness. A multilingual leader and changemaker, Sarah is committed to breaking barriers, empowering individuals and communities, and driving a more equitable future.
Helen Penwill | Senior Associate | Reed Smith LLP
She obtained an LLM from the National University of Singapore on scholarship and worked as Vice President at JPMorgan Chase, as the youngest Vice President promoted in London, and later completed her training contract with Reed Smith LLP.
Following university, Helen was afforded a rotary scholarship to the National University of Singapore. Helen was partnered with a local club in Singapore and the scholarship itself is only granted to candidates who are committed long-term to measurable, sustainable change. In order to be afforded the scholarship, Helen displayed her academic experience but also volunteer experience which included 7 years of coaching Basketball at the local YMCA. Since 2020, Helen has been an Associate in the market leading Financial Industry Group at Reed Smith, advising a range of clients on fund finance, leveraged finance and structured finance. Helen was promoted to mid-level associate just 18 months after qualifying and Senior Associate just 36 months later. Helen is recognised for her technical skills, drafting expertise and good commercial judgement. She is calm under pressure and is respected by clients and colleagues alike, all of whom enjoy working with her and value her input. She is known for being very hard-working and a great team player who is happy to step into difficult situations. Helen is a part of the team awarded 'Best Law Firm – Lending and Securities' at the European Credit Awards and is an integral member of the Tier 1 ranked Fund Finance Team.
Catherine Casazza | Legal Counsel (Investments) | Fidelity International
Catherine Casazza is an in-house lawyer at Fidelity International, where she advises on and manages transactions across the firm's fixed income, equity, and private assets businesses.
She previously worked in private practice at large, U.S.-headquartered law firms in New York, Sydney, and London. In private practice, Catherine accumulated extensive experience advising corporate, private equity, and banking clients on leveraged loans, and public and private debt and equity capital markets offerings and transactions. She has also volunteered with the International Trade Centre's SheTrades initiative and advised numerous pro bono legal clients in New York through The Door's Legal Services Center's Emancipation Clinic and in London through the University House Legal Advice Centre's Housing Clinic. Catherine has been recognised internally at Fidelity International for her contributions to the business teams she supports and her commitment to professional development. Catherine co-founded the "Legal Jam Sessions" programming series, which aims to increase synergies and efficiencies across the firm's legal teams and provide opportunities for other team members to shine. Catherine is passionate about connecting with and positively impacting her community and is an active member of her firm's Cultural Diversity Network. A singer and former actor, Catherine also celebrates and blends her love of arts and culture and her passion for bringing diverse individuals together as co-founder and Director of Operations for Muses in the City, a London-based network connecting women who are passionate about arts, heritage, and culture.
Suborna Akthar | Senior Recruitment Advisor | Simmons & Simmons Adaptive
I am a Senior Recruitment Advisor at Simmons Adaptive; the flexible talent programme for Simmons & Simmons.
My role focusses on sourcing, placing, and managing talent for interim legal positions, both within the firm and for our clients. After graduating in 2017, I joined a legal recruitment agency specialising in the public sector, where I developed expertise in connecting top talent with central and local government clients In 2021, I joined Simmons Adaptive, bringing my recruitment expertise to a broader range of industries. I work collaboratively with our Partners to deliver tailored people solutions that keep both our clients and consultants at the heart of our decision-making process. Since joining, I've been promoted to Senior Advisor, where I support the training and development of new team members and initiatives to drive the success of our team. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is using my recruitment expertise to help the firm achieve its DE&I goals. I'm deeply committed to this cause and actively contribute to firmwide networks such as the Muslim Network, where I co-hosted the 2024 Iftar Dinner for Simmons and its clients. My work with initiatives like the Young Talent Programme and the School Mentoring Programme has allowed me to guide aspiring legal professionals, offering interview tips and career guidance to young talent. I am also proud to speak on panels at both the firm and my University, discussing important topics such as Muslim representation in the City and alternative career paths for women in law.
Dunja Relic | Trainee Solicitor | Mercurae Law
Dunja Relic is the sole Trainee at Mercurae Law, where she began her training in September 2023 while concurrently pursuing an LLM at BPP University.
As the firm’s only trainee, Dunja works closely with the team, gaining broad exposure to client work. Her legal journey is grounded in a strong foundation in legal technology: before joining Mercurae, she served as Product Specialist Team Lead at a legal tech company, where she advised senior legal teams, including those at BBC Studios, on legal tech implementation and case support, while leading a team of three.
Dunja’s commitment to equity and inclusion spans over a decade of volunteer work supporting underrepresented communities. Beyond her professional path, Dunja is the founder of When Life Gives You Lemons (WLGYL), an initiative dedicated to empowering first-generation immigrant women and girls through skills training, mentorship, and confidence-building. WLGYL helps participants prepare for professional life through practical workshops and community-building experiences. Mercurae Law has been a strong supporter of the initiative having previously provided work experience opportunities to participants and regularly hosting WLGYL events in its offices.
Federica Pisano | Solution Consultant | Guidewire Software
Starting with a passion for learning and communication, I went from Italy through Germany to the UK, from translating to branding, from market research to advertising, finally landing in the world of solution consulting in insurtech, where I finally feel at home.
The vastness of the industry and its fast-paced advancements, combined with the nuances of diverse regional markets, make insurtech incomparably challenging and interesting for me. At the same time, being surrounded by top-notch talents and a warm, supportive environment who want everyone to succeed and thrive gives me the energy and enthusiasm I need when the goings gets tougher. Needless to say, it is thanks to them that I am here today!
Rosie Nutt | Corporate Liability Restructuring Manager | PwC
I began my career at PwC as a summer intern while at university, before joining full-time in the insurance audit team.
After three years and achieving my qualification, I sought a new challenge and moved across to the Deals Restructuring team, where I have spent the past c.four years specialising in advising non-life run-off insurance clients on restructurings and transactions. My role has spanned both sell-side deal advisory and distressed restructuring. I have worked closely with clients on insurance business transfers, portfolio disposals, and broader restructuring strategies. Through this, I have developed deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory and commercial challenges, helping clients achieve their strategic.
Janice Earl-Summers | Collaboration Consultant | PwC
For over 30 years, I've thrived in diverse IT roles across Insurance, Telecoms, and Banking, tackling complex challenges.
My passion lies in collaborative problem-solving, uniting diverse teams to achieve impactful results. I'm driven by curiosity and a relentless commitment to exceeding expectations, consistently delivering solutions that make a real difference whilst having fun.
Anshuman Bhalla | Technology Risk Manager | RSA Insurance Group
Since a very young age, I was very passionate about making my career within Technology space and grow as a career driven women in STEM.
This passion led me to become a Computer Science Engineer and pursue Masters in Business administration with information Security specialisation. I started my career in India with a Big4 consulting organisation as an Associate Consultant in Risk Advisory team where I found my other passion to resolve problems and assist people within cyber and risk domains. Very quickly, I made a personal brand around great delivery and managed revenue driven projects. I was promoted twice in a span of 3.5 years tenure that gave me confidence to dream big and led me to move across countries. I joined another Big4 organisation in the UK which was a lateral shift for me in terms of responsibilities. I started exploring more on the Data and regulatory compliance domains which are equally important parts of the Tech world. I led projects of worth 1m there and got promoted to Manager level in a short span of 1.5 years. I was doing great when another opportunity came in my way to assist a start up company with their AI and Data governance frameworks and decided to ride the tide to learn more. After learning loads in fast paced startup world, I joined Insurance industry as a Tech Risk Manager 2 years ago where I started mentoring people and contributing towards community to make a difference and motivate others.
Sachini Yapa | Senior Project Manager | QBE Insurance
I am a results-driven individual with a background in software engineering, most recently leading a large-scale transformation initiative.
I have explored different roles, from Business Analyst to Service Delivery Lead, and I have found that anywhere I get to interact (and hopefully inspire) a team is where I do best. Moving from New Zealand to London was a bold step in expanding my career, and QBE offered me the perfect platform. As an Application Delivery Lead, I managed the delivery and maintenance of critical information management systems for over 1,000 users. Seeking new challenges, I was honoured to take the lead on a major transformation project for QBE: the delivery of Lloyd's Blueprint Two. Thriving in a fast-paced environment is energising, but it's just as important to recognise when to recharge to be your best self and continue serving others. I strive to role model this via wellbeing initiatives at work. I've recognised that it's easier to make a lasting difference when working with like-minded people. In 2008, I founded the Auckland Young Professionals network for The Institution of Engineering and Technology and continue to volunteer today, with the goal of nurturing STEM talent pipelines. Whether leading transformation projects, mentoring emerging professionals, or promoting mental wellbeing, I aim to make a meaningful impact in all that I do, bringing positive energy to those around me.