Leading change: Women Breaking Barriers President Misha on empowerment and community

Women Breaking Barriers is a student-led initiative supported by the University of Leeds, School of Law that aims to celebrate the successes of women.

Women Breaking Barriers (WBB) continues to play a vital role in fostering confidence, community, and career development among students in the School of Law. In this interview, we speak with Misha Madinah Binti Salehuddin, an LLB student from Taylor’s University, Malaysia, and President of WBB for 2025/26, about the society’s achievements, flagship events, and her motivation for leading a space dedicated to empowering women in law. Misha reflects on a record‑breaking year for WBB, the importance of mentorship and representation, and why creating supportive environments remains essential in legal education today. 

Who is in this year’s committee? 

President - Misha Madinah Binti Salehuddin 
Vice President - Gerri Nyegenye 
General Secretary - Hannah Domeney 
Welfare Representative - Jasmine Grewal 
Careers and Research Representative - Sanvi Rai 
Social Media Representative - Peicen Han 
1st Year Representative - Nasya Ansari 
2nd Year Representative - Elizabeth Moore 

What are some of WBB's achievements this term? 

For the first time in WBB history, we've successfully secured a student society funding from Lincoln's Inn. This funding is specifically towards organising events for aspiring barristers. This is quite a big accomplishment, as so many other student societies all over the UK compete to secure this funding! Additionally, we've managed to secure our annual sponsorship from Slaughter and May.

Personally, I received a Highly Commended recognition for Student Leader of the Year at the Leeds Partnership Awards 2026, which reflected the impact of our work within the society and wider community. Nationally, I was also shortlisted as a finalist for the Unsung Hero Award at the Women and Diversity in Law Awards 2026, which recognises exceptional, often unseen contributions made by women within the legal profession. It was an honour for WBB’s efforts to be acknowledged on such a significant platform. 

Why did you originally want to get involved with WBB?

In the legal world, I've often seen women take a step back and are hesitant to speak up, and when women like me are in leadership positions, we're not always taken seriously because we’re not seen as “dominant”. Men talk down to us as if we’re naive, incapable, or simply too soft to understand. 

Being part of the WBB committee for the past two years has given me a warm, supportive space to uplift other women while growing my own confidence.

I joined because I wanted to be part of a community where we’re empowered to be ourselves and encouraged to break barriers; not just within university or the workplace, but also the internal barriers that hold us back, like the quiet voice that tells us to shrink when we should be standing tall. 

What events has WBB organised this year? 

Throughout the year, we've delivered a structured Mentorship Programme supporting around 40 students, pairing finalists and postgraduates with earlier-year mentees to provide sustained peer guidance and reduce barriers to progression. One neurodiverse member praised the support she received, saying, “I would not know how to navigate the first year without my mentor”. 

In terms of career panels, we’ve organised a “Breaking Barriers in Qualification” session, featuring an inspiring line‑up of speakers such as Esther Bukoye (Barrister, Park Square Barristers Chambers), recognised as a Rising Star in The Legal 500 2025 for Social Housing, and Cheryl Forde (Pupil Barrister, Park Square Barristers Chambers). They shared valuable insights into the Bar, pupillage, and securing tenancy. Joining them were School of Law alumna Francesca Bertolino (LLB Law with European Legal Studies 2024 and Future Trainee Solicitor, Clifford Chance) and Toju Adelaja (M&A Corporate Lawyer, Clifford Chance), who offered perspectives on the solicitor route and navigating corporate practice. 

We also hosted a Presentation and Q&A with Watson Farley & Williams, which proved particularly impactful. One of our members shared that the insights she gained during the session helped her secure a vacation scheme.

Another highlight was our "From the Bar to the Bench" panel, where we welcomed Celine Kart (Barrister – Criminal), and two pupil barristers, School of Law alumna Millie O’Connell (LLB Law 2024) and Lucy Finney, all from Park Square Barristers Chambers. They generously shared their personal journeys and experiences across different specialisms within the Bar, offering students an invaluable look into the diverse pathways available in practice. 

In terms of socials, we’ve organised one each semester. We hosted a cosy Coaster Painting Social around Christmas, and later a Galentine’s Day Pixels and Pastels Social where we painted tote bags. These were such fun, creative breaks for our hard-working students, and everyone genuinely enjoyed themselves.

We also held our annual International Women’s Day Dinner in partnership with the Law Society, welcoming 22 students and 3 practitioners to celebrate women’s achievements, with all proceeds donated to Leeds Women’s Aid. Our distinguished speakers included Esther Bukoye (Barrister, Park Square Barristers Chambers), Kelly Cunningham (Solicitor, Walker Morris LLP), and Chloe Armitage (Trainee Solicitor, DLA Piper Leeds). 

What has been your favourite event? 

Definitely the Breaking Barriers in Qualification Panel! We had such a diverse line‑up, which certainly wasn’t easy to coordinate. It was also our first academic panel of the term, and we were thrilled to see so many wonderful students join us. 

Why would you recommend students join WBB? 

Not only does WBB offer the chance to meet wonderfully inspiring barristers, solicitors, and legal practitioners who motivate you to grow both personally and professionally, but it also provides a safe and welcoming space where everyone can be themselves, have fun, and push themselves to achieve their academic goals.

Study in the School of Law 

Find out more about studying in the School of Law at the University of Leeds and discover how student‑led societies like Women Breaking Barriers can enhance your academic experience, professional development, and sense of community.