Few individuals bring the kind of grace, resilience, and purpose to the modelling world as powerfully as Adeshola Akanji. Nominated for Model of the Year at the Influencer Magazine Awards 2025, Adeshola is redefining beauty—not only in terms of appearance but through advocacy, empowerment, and lived experience.

A Biomedical Science graduate from London Metropolitan University, she brings 16 years of NHS experience, during which she has made substantial contributions. Currently, she serves as the Outpatient Transformation and Efficiency Project Manager. Additionally, Adeshola volunteers as Co-Chair of the Disability Network, Wellbeing Champion, and Inclusion Ambassador, advocating for equitable hiring, inclusive workspaces, and the well-being of staff and patients with long-term and hidden disabilities. She is also a member of the Disability Pioneer Supergroup in collaboration with NHS Employers. Her articles on health, wellbeing, and disability were published in the East London Observer, the NHS Trust intranet, and the wellbeing newsletters. She had the honour of being nominated for the Barts Heroes Award for her contribution towards health and wellbeing, as well as disability advocacy.

But it’s in front of the camera where Adeshola’s confidence, creativity, and passion truly shine. Her modelling journey began with childhood dreams, but challenges nearly sidelined those ambitions. Refusing to let adversity define her, she turned her passion into purpose. From TS Studios and Heba Productions to collaborations with Luvy Photography, Broadway Studios and Studio 101, she built a diverse and impactful portfolio, earning praise for her authenticity and distinctive presence.

Adeshola’s work has graced the pages of Marika, Claire, Amor, YES, Moevir, Trench, and Artego Magazines. She has walked the runway at London Fashion Week, participated in the “My Cultural Style” Fashion Show, collaborated with WildMint Cosmetics, and was featured in a portrait displayed at The Louvre in Paris—a visual tribute to women who inspire. She currently holds the title of *Miss British Beauty 2024/25*, was a finalist in Miss Continental UK and Miss Pride of Africa UK, and is a 2025 Integrity Award model with the honour of participating in the runway event at the 7th Annual Integrity Awards ceremony later this year. She is honoured to have received a personal invitation as a special guest to attend the Kutivz Kouture vs Paris Couture: The 3rd Kollection Fashion Show in May 2025, an event that celebrated fashion, culture, and creativity.

She is honoured to be a member and speaker of the distinguished SISTAS (Supporting Individual Sisters to Achieve Success) network, where she received valuable support and inspiration during her speaking engagements. She also has the privilege of being a member and speaker for the Southern Disability Support Network (SDSN), which has recently rebranded as the National Disability Support Network (NDSN). Additionally, she has collaborated with Brain in Hand on panel discussions focused on autism acceptance and improving access to work.

Her voice resonates beyond the lens. A passionate public speaker, coach, and mentor, Adeshola uses platforms such as the BartsAbility Podcast, Black Inclusion Week, the Disability Summit 2025 and Schwartz Rounds to share her experiences and advocate for mental health, autism, ADHD, and disability empowerment. She has contributed to the Hidden Disability Sunflower initiative, World Autism Acceptance Day/ Month, and the ME Association’s REAL ME campaign to showcase the hidden crisis of living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue.

A panel speaker for the PRECIOUS online platform for women of colour, and a member and speaker for Divas with Disabilities—a global movement committed to increasing the participation and authentic representation of Black and Brown women and girls with disabilities in all areas of life, especially in mass media, television, film, publications, advertising, and civic engagement—Adeshola’s advocacy is as dynamic as her modelling career. She’s been interviewed on Neurodiversity Stories, featured on the Business Unzipped podcast, Invited to participate as a guest speaker on a live radio broadcast, and shared her story in the “My Journey to Empowerment” series by Divas of Colour. Whether co-chairing the Dyslexia Forum during the Neurodiversity week or contributing to improvements for autistic individuals in clinical settings, her impact is deeply felt.

Through every photoshoot, podcast, panel, and project, Adeshola Akanji challenges outdated norms and redefines what it means to be a model in today’s world. Her nomination for Model of the Year is not just a nod to beauty—it’s a celebration of advocacy, strength, and transformative purpose.

Congratulations, Adeshola—your light inspires confidence, your voice brings change, and your story continues to empower a generation.