By: Awa Conteh
Welcome to another exciting episode of Gambian Trailblazers, where we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Gambians who are making a significant impact in their fields. This week, we are proud to spotlight Ms. Awa Marenah, an attorney based in Washington, DC, passionate about law, mentorship, and community empowerment. Awa’s journey to success in the legal profession exemplifies determination, resilience, and the importance of embracing one’s roots while striving for excellence. Her story serves as an inspiration for those looking to succeed in the legal field, as well as anyone striving to make a difference through their work.
Awa Marenah was born in Manhattan, New York, to Gambian immigrants. Her parents, including her Dad, Tumani Marenah from Kudang, played an integral role in her becoming an attorney. Awa spent much of her childhood in The Gambia, Seattle, and Raleigh. She pursued her legal studies in Atlanta, Georgia, where she obtained her law degree. During her undergraduate studies, she also spent a life-changing semester in Paris, France. These diverse cultural experiences have profoundly influenced her perspective and professional style. Currently, she is a licensed attorney in Washington, D.C., serving in the litigation department of a financial corporation located in Northern Virginia.
Aside from her legal endeavors, Awa is passionately dedicated to mentoring future lawyers and helping them become attorneys trained in the U.S. In her time, she takes pleasure in cooking—especially making ebbed—maintaining an active lifestyle and pursuing creative activities like painting and fashion design.
“I frequently say that I’m willing to try anything at least once,” Awa told The Alkamba Times, highlighting her adventurous nature and enthusiasm for life.
Although Awa initially did not aspire to have a legal career, her father introduced the concept to her in preschool. Understanding social inequalities in various professions motivated her to advocate for change within the legal system as she grew. This path took her from corporate compliance to litigation, with every transition offering a greater understanding of the intricacies of law and its effects on people and communities.
Awa’s knowledge encompasses corporate compliance, intellectual property, contract drafting and negotiation, and family law. Her enthusiasm for intellectual property was ignited through interactions with creators and entrepreneurs, which led her to pursue a specialized course during her legal studies. She was determined to adapt and eventually succeed.
“The pandemic compelled me to adjust, but it also presented opportunities I hadn’t previously thought about,” she remarked.
Awa’s upbringing in various regions of the U.S. has given her profound insight into different cultural dynamics. This diverse background shapes her empathetic and flexible approach to law, allowing her to engage with clients from a wide range of backgrounds effectively. Her Gambian heritage, which emphasizes compassion and community, is a guiding principle in her work, encouraging her to find a balance between effectiveness and empathy. Awa finds collaboration and community-driven initiatives to be rewardingly important in her career.
“Being part of a network of Senegambian attorneys striving to support one another has been one of my greatest sources of inspiration. My goal is to demystify the legal system and ensure that future generations have the tools to succeed,” she shared.
Awa, a young Black attorney, has encountered misconceptions, frequently being mistaken for an intern or secretary. Nonetheless, she faces these hurdles with dignity and professionalism, leveraging her experiences to encourage others. Her role as a Gambian attorney goes beyond personal achievement; she is dedicated to teaching and establishing career paths for the Gambian diaspora in the legal profession.
Awa actively works to increase legal understanding and accessibility for Gambians in the United States and back home through mentorship programs and community projects. Her initiatives promote equal representation and effectively empower people to navigate complex legal settings.
Awa encourages young Gambian law enthusiasts to embrace their rich cultural history, which she sees as a source of strength and resilience. For her, heritage is more than just a link to the past; it is a solid basis for creating a bright future. She emphasizes remaining committed and cultivating a supportive network, stating that success is always possible with the appropriate mindset and community.
“Block out the noise and listen to your moral compass in all that you do. The road may be long and fraught with challenges, but perseverance is key. Stay true to yourself, and let your values guide you, even in the most trying times,” she advised.
Looking ahead, Awa envisions leveraging her skills to address systematic gaps in access to justice and representation. She hopes to advocate for policies that promote diversity and social justice, both in the Gambian context and globally, by working with international organizations and other attorneys. Her dedication to making the legal profession more equal and accessible exemplifies her pioneering spirit.
Awa Marenah is more than a Gambian trailblazer; she is a source of hope and inspiration for aspiring lawyers and the more significant Gambian diaspora. Her narrative exemplifies the strength of resilience, the value of mentorship, and the significance of honoring one’s roots while striving for success. As we celebrate her accomplishments, we look forward to seeing what tremendous contributions she will continue to make in the legal profession and beyond.
Join us next week for another inspirational episode of Gambian Trailblazers!
