Good evening.
I am deeply honoured, humbled, and grateful to receive these prestigious recognitions:
the Women’s CEO of the Year Award, Special Recognition in Legal Leadership Excellence, Company of the Year – Legal Services and being named among Zambia’s Top 100 CEOs.
While I stand here today, these honours belong first and foremost to my late parents. Their sacrifices, prayers, and unwavering belief in education shaped my journey. At a time when girls were expected to remain at home, they broke generational barriers and allowed me to dream beyond limitation.
Born and raised in Lusaka from humble beginnings, I pursued my legal education in the United Kingdom, working part-time to support myself through university. When my parents could no longer afford my Bar studies abroad, I returned home to qualify through ZIALE beginning my career as a legal intern with great determination and very modest means.
One of the defining moments of my early career was my first trial, representing Zambia Bottlers Limited in the well-known Michael Chilufya Sata v Zambia Bottlers case. That experience tested my resolve and affirmed my calling in litigation, ultimately opening doors that shaped my professional path.
At Simeza Sangwa & Associates, I had the privilege of being mentored by Mr. Robert Simeza, SC, whose excellence and guidance profoundly influenced my growth as a legal professional. I am deeply grateful for his mentorship.
I was later honoured to serve as Group Legal Counsel to Dr. Rajan Mahtani, whose visionary leadership exposed me to diverse sectors including banking, insurance, mining, construction, healthcare, hospitality, and finance. That experience broadened my perspective and strengthened my commercial acumen.
Like all journeys of purpose, mine has not been without challenge. I have had to persevere, remain steadfast in faith, and trust in God through adversity. Those challenges ultimately led me to establish my own practice Ascentia Consultants, built on integrity, professionalism, and resilience.
None of this would have been possible without the support of my family, my mentors, and the guidance of my late uncle, Senior Counsel Musa Yousuf.
The lessons I carry forward are simple but enduring: dedication, perseverance, honesty, integrity, and unwavering commitment. These are the foundations not only of success, but of legacy.
Thank you.