From Dreams to Deeds: Sharon Robinette’s Vision for a More Inclusive Future.

 

Dear Dreamers,

Join me as we explore the inspiring journey of Sharon Robinette, a corporate and M&A lawyer based in Germany. Overcoming personal and professional challenges, Sharon has become a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusion in the legal world. Her story is one of resilience, breaking barriers, and uplifting others through mentorship and advocacy

Beatrice: Dear Sharon, I welcome you to the Dreamweavers channel, where every journey starts with a dream. Let’s begin by hearing a little about your early life. How was it growing up for you?

Sharon: Thank you for having me. I was born and raised in Kenya, moving around quite a bit, but I now consider Nairobi my home. Growing up, I always dreamed of being a lawyer. My family often referred to me as the lawyer in the family because I excelled at arguing my points. However, coming from a single-parent household, my mother didn’t have the financial resources to support my higher education. After finishing high school, I became a mother, which forced me to think quickly and secure a future for my daughter. This led me to Germany, where I worked as an au pair, learned some German, and then applied for law school. Fast forward to today, I’m an acquisition lawyer in a company, leading multiple transactions, big and small. I love helping others achieve their aspirations.

Beatrice: That’s a beautiful insight into your early background. Sharon, how do you define your professional and personal purpose, and what does success mean to you in the context of your career and life?

Sharon: That’s a very loaded question because we’re often told we must find our purpose. For a long time, I didn’t differentiate between a purpose and a goal. While in law school, I was determined to be a lawyer and thought that was my purpose. However, after graduating, I realized that a goal is just a destination, whereas a purpose is what truly keeps you moving toward your aspirations.

I had to engage in a lot of self-reflection, holding what I call “regular meetings with myself,” which were quite challenging. I took stock of my life and identified what genuinely fulfills me and aligns with my core values. Working in a capitalistic legal sector, I noticed that while closing deals provided some personal fulfillment, giving back and empowering others was crucial for me. Initially, the fear of failure pushed me forward, but embracing failure and growth has been key to finding my purpose and evolving continuously. You can’t define your purpose once and expect it to stay the same; evolution is constant.

Beatrice: You emphasize the importance of aligning your work with your core values. Based on that, what advice would you give to young African leaders out there who are still struggling to find their purpose?

Sharon: I think the idea of finding your purpose is often overrated. You might achieve things but still feel inadequate. It takes self-awareness to know where your interests lie and to play to your strengths. Self-care and mental health are also vital—journaling and practicing gratitude can help you find yourself. There are many concepts about finding your purpose, but I believe being self-compassionate is crucial. You shouldn’t push yourself excessively or exceed your own expectations. Through all of this, you’ll find what works for you and what fills you up.

Beatrice: That’s amazing. What challenges did you face as a Black student navigating the German education system, and how did those experiences shape your professional journey?

Sharon: I faced a significant language barrier. I remember when I first started; I had to complete a year-long course to compensate for what I missed in high school. I was at a point where I was Googling basic terms because my German was so limited. In retrospect, I was a bit naive; I didn’t fully inform myself about studying law in Germany. Despite this, my belief in myself helped me immensely.

However, during my first semester, I failed one of the tests, which served as a reality check. It pushed me to improve constantly. Being the only Black person in the room was daunting, but I transformed those situations into opportunities. For example, at networking events, people often remarked on my German skills, and while it was exhausting to have the same conversation repeatedly, I recognized it as a chance to catch someone's attention. I was grateful for my opportunity in Germany, and I focused on building resilience and dedication to my goals.

Beatrice: That's beautiful. In a recent post, you mentioned feeling isolated and dealing with self-doubt during your studies. How did you navigate these challenges, and what strategies or support systems did you find helpful?

Sharon: I wish I had found solutions earlier. Law school felt very isolating, and I struggled to connect with others. I was overwhelmed by a fear of failure, so I either studied incessantly or spent what little time I had with my family and daughter. This took a toll on my mental health. I compartmentalized my experiences and completed law school, but once I graduated, I realized how much it had affected my confidence.

After graduating, I sought professional help. I learned that many universities offer resources to help students through their challenges, which I wish I had utilized. Now, I always encourage others to take advantage of the resources available to them because I had to pay for that help later on.

Beatrice: It sounds like you’ve had a transformative journey. Can you discuss some diversity and inclusion initiatives you are passionate about and how you’ve advanced these efforts within the legal profession in Germany?

Sharon: I’m deeply passionate about helping students from underrepresented groups navigate challenges such as racism in the workplace. I mentored these students in university, helping them climb the social mobility ladder. I’m a member of Afro-Deutsche Jurist:innen e.V., an initiative for Black lawyers in Germany advocating for equity and inclusion in the legal sector. We offer pro bono services for those in the Black community who lack resources for legal help and aim to be part of the decision-making process in Germany.

Additionally, I mentor individual students, including a recent graduate now working in Atlanta and another from Pakistan who is about to take her final university exams. I wish I had more time to give back, but I'm working on initiatives that will allow me to support more people.

 

Beatrice: Those are important efforts. What are the most important lessons you've learned from your journey that you would like to share with others? If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger self during challenging moments, what would it be?

Sharon: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of networking. When I started, I had a LinkedIn account but wasn’t intentional about leveraging my network. I thought hard work alone would lead to success, but self-advocacy is crucial. You must take charge of your career path and build your personal brand earlier. I hesitated to share my story until I was qualified because I doubted my worthiness, but now I realize that sharing experiences can inspire others.

Another lesson is the importance of mental health. Law school was challenging, not just academically but mentally. I learned the hard way about resilience and discipline, but I wish I had prioritized my mental fitness as much as my physical health.

Beatrice: Wonderful insights, Sharon. Lastly, as we conclude, which historical figure inspires you, and what legacy do you hope to leave behind?

 

Sharon: A historical figure who inspires me is Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan female Nobel Peace Prize winner. She was assertive in a male-dominated world and paved the way for many women in Kenya, living with integrity and purpose. I admire her journey deeply.

I also look up to prominent human rights lawyers who use their degrees to give back to the community. I want to be remembered as someone who broke barriers and created opportunities for others, particularly those from underrepresented groups. My goal is to inspire others to pursue their dreams with courage and determination, knowing their unique path is their strength.

Beatrice: That's a powerful legacy. Thank you very much, Sharon. Your journey is truly inspiring, and I believe our audience will resonate with your message. Thank you for joining me today on the Dreamweavers platform.

Sharon: Thank you for having me. I’ve enjoyed our conversation and would love to return to discuss more.

Beatrice: We hope to have you back soon!