Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, FACEP, US Bureau Chief of The Desi Buzz and founder of ArlingtonIntegrative.com, sat down for an exclusive interview with Manjinder Nagra – international rugby trailblazer, award-winning commercial lawyer, and champion of diversity in law and sports. In this candid conversation, Nagra shares her remarkable journey from being the first Asian woman to represent England Students in rugby to breaking barriers in the legal profession, offering powerful insights on resilience, leadership, and creating inclusive spaces. The discussion spans her Punjabi roots, career triumphs, and how she balances multiple high-profile roles while advocating for the next generation of women and minority professionals.
Check out other interviews: https://thedesibuzz.com/category/interviews-editorial/
Watch the interview on YouTube
Background and Career Journey
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Manjinder, let’s start at the beginning. You were born into a Punjabi family, and your journey has taken you from the rugby field to the courtroom. Can you tell us about your upbringing, your family’s influence, and how your cultural roots shaped your career path?
Manjinder Nagra: My family immigrated to the UK from India in the 1970s, and I am the youngest of five siblings—the only one born in the UK. I grew up in Slough, a diverse town, but one where racism and tensions between the community and the police were a reality.
Family was everything to us. We were close-knit, and from an early age, I was instilled with the values of hard work, resilience, and respect. My father was also a wrestler and Kabbadi player in India so I think I may have inherited my passion for sport from him.
However, there were a few challenges – my mother was signed off sick when I was in primary school and then, during my secondary years, my father passed away when I was 13.
We found ourselves without a parental income and the responsibility of navigating that challenge as a family and the loss of a parent shaped my outlook on independence and self-sufficiency.
Culturally, in the Asian community, I often saw a distinction in how girls and boys were treated. I was told that girls were “treasured” and needed protecting but to me, that sometimes felt like a limitation rather than a privilege. I wanted to carve out my own path, to be financially and personally independent. That drive, along with the challenges I faced growing up, ultimately led me to pursue a career in law—a profession where I could stand on my own and advocate for others.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You’ve had an incredible journey—from being an international rugby player to becoming an award-winning commercial lawyer and a non-executive director. How did you transition from sports to law, and what inspired this shift?
Manjinder Nagra: There wasn’t really a shift between the two—rugby and law were always intertwined in my journey. I played in the non-professional era of women’s rugby, and while studying at Bath University, I had the immense honour of representing England Students, proudly wearing the Red Rose and being the first Asian woman to do so. In fact, without rugby, I may never have qualified as a lawyer.
In the 1990s, breaking into the legal profession was incredibly tough, especially for someone from my background. Socioeconomic barriers were (and still are) significant and after finishing law school, I sent out thousands of applications for a training contract—only to face rejection after rejection. It was disheartening and I couldn’t help but wonder if my social background, gender, or ethnicity played a role. At one point, I even considered anglicising my name, hoping that if a hiring manager couldn’t pronounce it, they wouldn’t simply dismiss my CV.
After a couple of years of setbacks, I was on the verge of giving up on my dream of becoming a lawyer. Then, out of the blue, a small two-partner firm in Hove invited me for an interview. Expecting tough legal questions, I was surprised when the first thing they asked was what it felt like to play rugby with the Red Rose on my jersey. The next 45 minutes of my hour-long interview were all about rugby. I secured the job, and that opportunity set me on the path to qualifying as a solicitor.
So, there was no transition—rugby and law have always been interconnected in my life. They have both given me resilience to keep pushing forward and a platform to advocate and make a difference.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You’ve been with Brighton & Hove City Council for over a decade as a Lawyer. What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in public procurement and property law?
Manjinder Nagra: The most rewarding part of working at Brighton & Hove City Council has been knowing that the work I do has a direct and tangible impact on the local community. Whether it’s granting a lease for a shop along the seafront, negotiating contracts for a new 3G pitch at a school, or working on the recommissioning of homelessness services, every project contributes to the city’s development and well-being.
Public sector work is fundamentally about service, and there’s a real sense of purpose in knowing that my legal expertise is being used to create positive change. It’s incredibly fulfilling to play a role in shaping the city and ensuring that vital services and spaces are accessible to the people who need them most. For me, it’s not just a job—it’s about giving back to the community I serve and that’s a thread that runs deep in my Sikh upbringing – the concept of Seva – selfless service and giving back.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: As the Immediate Past President of the Sussex Law Society, what were your key achievements during your tenure, and what challenges did you face in leading such a prestigious organization?
Manjinder Nagra: Initially, I wasn’t keen on taking on such a public-facing role—I had turned it down twice. But I soon realised that if I wanted to see real change, I had to step up and be part of it. When I became President of the Sussex Law Society, I was honoured to be the first person of colour to hold the role since its establishment in 1866. It was a moment of immense pride but also a reminder of how much progress still needs to be made.
One of the standout moments of my tenure was delivering the opening keynote at Chichester University’s Law Careers Conference. After the event, I received feedback that a group of minority ethnic students—who had been struggling to find their place at university, facing racism, and even considering dropping out—chose to stay after hearing my story. Knowing that my journey gave them the confidence to persevere was truly humbling. It reinforced why representation matters and why it’s so important to create spaces where everyone feels they belong.
However, my presidency wasn’t without challenges. During my term, the UK saw significant racial civil unrest, which deeply affected many of our members, particularly immigration lawyers, who feared for their safety. Providing support to them during such a difficult time was tough, but it also underscored the importance of strong leadership, allyship and standing in solidarity with those who face discrimination.
Despite the challenges, serving as President was an incredible honour. It gave me the platform to inspire others, challenge the status quo, and demonstrate that leadership should be reflective of the diverse society we live in.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You’ve recently been named Company Commercial Lawyer of the Year 2024. What does this recognition mean to you, and how do you balance excellence in your legal career with your other roles?
Manjinder Nagra: Being named Company Commercial Lawyer of the Year 2024 is an incredible honour, made even more special by the fact that I was nominated by my peers in the Asian community. I am deeply grateful for this recognition—it’s a testament to the years of hard work, perseverance and the support of those who have championed me along the way.
Balancing my legal career with my other roles is certainly challenging but I’ve learned that organisation, discipline and a strong support system are key. A well-structured diary helps me stay on top of my commitments, but more importantly, I’m fortunate to have an understanding and supportive family who encourage me to pursue my passions. Their unwavering belief in me keeps me grounded and motivated, even on the busiest of days.
I was also honoured to receive both the Inclusion Award and was an inductee to the Hall of Fame at Dr Ikram Butt’s British Asian Rugby Associations Awards at the House of Commons
Ultimately, these awards are not just personal achievements—they are a reflection of the resilience and dedication it takes to break barriers. I hope they serve as inspiration for others, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to believe that success is within their reach.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Dr. Shabana Parvez: As a Global Ambassador for the Sikh Games and an EDI Advisory Board Member for the Students’ RFU, how do you promote diversity and inclusion in sports and law?
Manjinder Nagra: I have come across many barriers both in law and sport so I actively work to break down barriers and get into spaces and use my platform to advocate for those that don’t have a voice because talent isn’t always enough if those spaces aren’t accessible.
Representation matters and through my sport related roles, I try to help champion opportunities for women and girls, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, ensuring that participation isn’t limited for them. Sport has the power to unite communities, and I’m passionate about creating spaces where everyone feels they belong and can thrive and I hope my journey can inspire the next generation to pursue their goals.
Similarly, in law, I advocate for greater inclusivity by mentoring aspiring lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds, speaking at events and challenging outdated perceptions of who “belongs” in the legal profession. As a woman of colour in a traditionally male-dominated field, I know firsthand how important it is to see role models who reflect your own experiences. Diversity and inclusion is about action and breaking down barriers so that people have access to the same opportunities, support and recognition they deserve.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You’ve served on the RFU Discipline Panel. What are some of the most challenging cases you’ve handled, and how do you ensure fairness in such decisions?
Manjinder Nagra: While I can’t discuss individual cases, one of the growing challenges in rugby is the rise in Match Official Abuse. This is a serious issue, as we are already facing a shortage of referees and without them, the game simply cannot function. Protecting match officials and maintaining respect for their role is crucial to ensuring the integrity of the sport.
When sitting on a discipline panel, my priority is to approach every case with integrity, impartiality and a thorough assessment of the evidence. Fairness is key—not only to the accused but also to the victim of the alleged offence. Every decision must be grounded in the facts, ensuring that the disciplinary process upholds the values of rugby while maintaining accountability and respect within the game.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Balancing multiple roles—lawyer, non-executive director, rugby advocate—must be demanding. How do you manage your time and maintain your mental well-being?
Manjinder Nagra: Balancing multiple roles requires strong time management, discipline and a good support system. I rely on a well-structured diary to stay organised and prioritise effectively, ensuring that each commitment gets the attention it deserves.
Maintaining my mental well-being is just as important. I make time for family, stay active and set boundaries to avoid burnout. Having a strong support network—both personally and professionally—keeps me grounded and I remind myself that balance isn’t about doing everything at once but knowing when to step back and recharge.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Manjinder Nagra: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is juggling a demanding career with raising children while striving for a work-life balance. It’s an ongoing challenge but I have learned that that stepping back isn’t a failure—it’s a necessary pause to reset and refocus. Recognising when to slow down and prioritise what truly matters has helped me navigate these challenges while continuing to grow both professionally and personally.
Fun and Personal Questions
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You’ve played rugby at an international level. Do you have any memorable or funny stories from your rugby days that you’d like to share?
Manjinder Nagra: No comment
Dr. Shabana Parvez: If you weren’t a lawyer or a rugby player, what career path do you think you would have pursued?
Manjinder Nagra: I would have liked to have been a singer or a musician
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day of negotiations and legal work?
Manjinder Nagra: Spending time with my family or going for a walk/run along the seafront or on the South Downs
Dr. Shabana Parvez: If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Manjinder Nagra: No comment
Audience Engagement Questions
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Manjinder, you’re a role model for many aspiring lawyers and athletes. What advice would you give to young people who want to excel in both sports and a professional career?
Manjinder Nagra: My advice would be to back yourself fully. There will undoubtedly be challenges along the way, but it’s important to stay focused and resilient and try to foresee what those challenges may be. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your growth, and remember to lift others up as you progress. Success isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s also about helping others along their journey.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: As a Non-Executive Director at the Lioness Coaching Academy, how do you see the future of women in sports, and what role can the community play in supporting this growth?
Manjinder Nagra: The future of women in sports is incredibly promising, but there is still work to be done to ensure equal opportunities and representation. As a Non-Executive Director at the Lioness Coaching Academy, I see a growing movement to empower and elevate women athletes at all levels. The focus is shifting towards providing better resources, visibility, and support to create pathways for young women to thrive in sport.
The community has a vital role to play in this growth. By championing women’s sports, creating more inclusive environments and supporting female athletes both on and off the field, we can foster a culture where women are encouraged to pursue their passion for sport without barriers. Its also really important to recognised the intersectional challenges many face. It’s about shifting societal perceptions and ensuring that women’s achievements in sports are celebrated just as much as those of their male counterparts.
The more active the parents the more active the kids – so we also need to ensure that we as are leading by example and setting the tone for the next generation.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You’ve been involved in public procurement for years. What’s one change you’d like to see in the legal framework to make procurement processes more efficient?
Manjinder Nagra: No comment
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What’s next for Manjinder Nagra? Any exciting projects or goals you’re working towards in 2025?
Manjinder Nagra: Balancing my personal commitments with my professional ambitions will remain a key focus, ensuring that I can continue to lead, support, and inspire in everything I do.
Rapid-Fire Round
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Rugby or law—if you had to choose one, which would it be?
Manjinder Nagra: Law
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Favorite Punjabi dish or comfort food?
Manjinder Nagra: Aloo gobi
Message for the Audience
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Manjinder, thank you for sharing your inspiring journey with us today. Your dedication to law, sports, and community service is truly commendable.
Manjinder Nagra: To every dreamer and doer: Your journey matters. Keep breaking barriers, stay true to yourself, and lift others as you rise. Together, we can redefine what’s possible.
To our audience, Manjinder’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and embracing diverse opportunities. Let’s give her a round of applause for being such an incredible role model!
