Celebrating excellence throughout our community
The Sheila Lesley Volunteer of the Year Award is our chance to recognise those whose selfless contributions have made a lasting impact.
Volunteering has the power to shape our community, elevate our profession, and inspire change. Now in its second year, the award shines a spotlight on individuals who go above and beyond in their support of CITMA and the wider trade mark community.
Volunteers who inspire
Last year, Ese Akpogheneta became our inaugural award winner, recognised at our Christmas Lunch for her remarkable work in making the profession more accessible and open, as well as her involvement in mentoring.
Ese followed a less traditional route into the profession, saying she “sort of fell into it”. Starting out in a temping position working for the UK IPO, Ese was asked if she would like to be the hearings clerk. She then moved onto working as a formalities clerk for a private practice firm before becoming Trade Mark and Marketing Counsel at BAT, where she has worked for the last six years.
Ese’s journey is one of determination and passion, showing that success doesn't always follow a traditional path.
“When I started out, there were not people like me in front of me to look at as an inspiration,” she shared. “To say that the profession seems more open now because there's someone like me – and CITMA gives me the opportunity to do that – I think it’s fantastic.”
Ese continues to give back through her roles on the CITMA Council and IP Inclusive management team, championing a more inclusive and supportive profession.
Honouring more outstanding contributions
Alongside Ese, Kate O’Rourke and Sarah Foster were both awarded Highly Commended status for their dedication and positive impact on CITMA.
- Kate O’Rourke, a CITMA member for over 25 years and President from 2016–2018, was recognised for driving change across the profession through her efforts on various Working Groups. She was also commended for her fundamental involvement in steering the profession throughout the uncertainty of Brexit.
- CITMA Paralegal, Sarah Foster was applauded for her contributions to the CITMA Paralegal Committee. In particular, she was praised for her efforts in helping to strengthen the visibility and voice of a growing segment of our membership.
Ready to nominate?
We recognise that success comes in many different forms and are keen to hear the wide variety of ways our members contribute – whether through mentorship, policy work or community engagement.
What Ese, Kate and Sarah all have in common is a deep commitment to making a difference in our profession.
You can nominate yourself or someone else – a colleague, friend, or quiet contributor who deserves the spotlight.
Visit our dedicated webpage to complete the short nomination form and help us celebrate excellence. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 12th September 2025.