Afola Lawal is a Master's of Science graduate candidate at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) and is a member of the Informal Sustainability Lab. Her academic journey includes a bachelor’s degree in Geography and Regional Planning from Nigeria and a Master of Laws from Fordham University in New York. Before embarking on her current academic path, Afola's professional experience was diverse and dynamic. She served as a Compliance Manager in Qatar, was the owner of a publishing house, authored a book, and co-founded a startup in Nigeria. This startup was instrumental in developing a GIS mapping tool, which played a key role in tracking, monitoring, and creating awareness of geopolitical events and social issues through web and mobile applications.

Presently, Afola is dedicated to exploring the role of policy and governance in curtailing the exploitation of West Africa's natural resources by external entities, often without consideration for environmental or social impacts.