Lara Rawa is a Nigerian hospitality entrepreneur, mixologist, and industry advocate who has spent over 17 years contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s cocktail and beverage industry. A lawyer by training, Lara holds a Law degree from the University of Lagos, a Master’s in International Business Law from Queen Mary University of London, and an MBA from Lagos Business School. Her passion for hospitality led her to establish Eventi Cocktails in 2009, a cocktail consulting and mobile bar company. In 2014, she founded Lagos Cocktail Week, which has grown into one of Africa’s leading cocktail festivals and a platform for education, professional development, industry collaboration, and the promotion of cocktail culture. Over the past 12 years, Lara has worked to create opportunities for bartenders, strengthen professional standards, and connect Nigeria’s beverage industry with the global cocktail community. In 2026, she expanded her commitment to industry development with two initiatives: Lagos Bar Show and BartendHer. Lagos Bar Show was created to encourage international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and greater visibility for African bartending talent. Its inaugural edition brought together bartenders from Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. BartendHer is an initiative dedicated to supporting and empowering women in bartending through mentorship, education, professional development, and increased visibility within the industry. Beyond Nigeria, Lara has served as Middle East and Africa Co-Chair for the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards and as a member of its Education Committee. She has also served as a judge for World Class Nigeria. Through her work, Lara continues to advocate for bartending as a respected and sustainable profession, while creating platforms that nurture talent, encourage inclusion, and connect Africa’s hospitality industry with the rest of the world.