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JUDGES
Our Judges
Below is our roster of judges for the event. They were handpicked as the best placed individuals to assess the nominees and ensure each award ended up in worthy hands. Click on a judge to visit their Linkedin profile.
Bernadette Thompson OBE FCIPD
Board Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion | Kings College Hospital Foundation Trust
Multi-award winner and former Co-Chair of one of the largest cross-Government race equality networks. Bernadette is passionate about helping others and supporting colleagues and staff networks to reach and fulfill their full potential.
Multi-award winner and former Co-Chair of one of the largest cross-Government race equality networks. Bernadette is passionate about helping others and supporting colleagues and staff networks to reach and fulfill their full potential.
Anita Bhalla OBE
Chair | B:Music
Anita has had an extensive broadcasting career, twenty six years of which have been with the BBC. She is currently Chair of B:Music the charity responsible for Symphony Hall and Town Hall, Chair Iniva, Interim Chair of GBSLEP and Vice- Chair of the University of Warwick.
Anita has had an extensive broadcasting career, twenty six years of which have been with the BBC. She is currently Chair of B:Music the charity responsible for Symphony Hall and Town Hall, Chair Iniva, Interim Chair of GBSLEP and Vice- Chair of the University of Warwick.
David Carrigan
Group Director of Diversity,
Inclusion & Wellbeing | Sky
A proven diversity leader
with a passion for driving change in organisations that may need support in realising their ambitions for diversity.
Inclusion & Wellbeing | Sky
A proven diversity leader
with a passion for driving change in organisations that may need support in realising their ambitions for diversity.
Eric Sterling
Founder & CEO and Teacher | Sterling Academy Youth (SAY)
Nurturing tomorrow’s minds through workshops and community partnerships.
Nurturing tomorrow’s minds through workshops and community partnerships.
Sal Naseem
Regional Director for London | Independent Office for Police Conduct
The first South Asian and Muslim to hold the post of Regional Director for London at the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and one of the most senior visible Muslims working in the Civil Service.
The first South Asian and Muslim to hold the post of Regional Director for London at the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and one of the most senior visible Muslims working in the Civil Service.
Sharniya Ferdinand
Enterprise Community Strategy Director | NatWest Group
Award-winning Banking professional, with career experience spanning Retail, Events, Commercial and Business Banking and Inclusion.
Award-winning Banking professional, with career experience spanning Retail, Events, Commercial and Business Banking and Inclusion.
Inez Brown
West Midlands Regional Chair | Institute of Directors
Past President of Birmingham Law Society, Partner, Trustee and advocate for social justice.
Past President of Birmingham Law Society, Partner, Trustee and advocate for social justice.
David McQueen
Director | Q Squared
Executive Coach, International Speaker and Angel Investor
Executive Coach, International Speaker and Angel Investor
Jenn Barnett
Director of EDI & ESG | Grant Thornton
Jenn is an occupational psychologist and expert in transformational culture change. She is currently Director and Lead for Inclusion, Diversity and Health for the fifth largest professional services firm; Grant Thornton UK LLP.
Jenn is an occupational psychologist and expert in transformational culture change. She is currently Director and Lead for Inclusion, Diversity and Health for the fifth largest professional services firm; Grant Thornton UK LLP.
Dr Heather Melville OBE
Independent Senior Advisor | Teneo's People Advisory & Director and Founder | Clarke Smith Advisory
Dr Heather Melville OBE CCMI leads the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Practice for Teneo's People Advisory team in London. Heather was awarded an OBE for her impact on diversity in Business and in 2022 she was appointed Chancellor of York University.
Dr Heather Melville OBE CCMI leads the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Practice for Teneo's People Advisory team in London. Heather was awarded an OBE for her impact on diversity in Business and in 2022 she was appointed Chancellor of York University.
Dominique Sidley
Global Trade Strategy Director | Merlin Entertainments
As global sales leader of Merlin Entertainments for 30 years, Dominique Sidley champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) change and fosters community engagement for Merlin's core attractions across the UK.
As global sales leader of Merlin Entertainments for 30 years, Dominique Sidley champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) change and fosters community engagement for Merlin's core attractions across the UK.
Imogeen Denton
Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion | Birmingham City University
Imogeen Denton is the Head of Equality Diversity and Inclusion for Birmingham City University. Imogeen is a Trustee for Warwickshire Cricket Foundation, a member of the Midlands Committee for the Royal Yachting Association, and a Regional Advisor for the National Trust. 
Imogeen Denton is the Head of Equality Diversity and Inclusion for Birmingham City University. Imogeen is a Trustee for Warwickshire Cricket Foundation, a member of the Midlands Committee for the Royal Yachting Association, and a Regional Advisor for the National Trust. 
Grace Haynes
Head of People & Culture | Coventry City Council
Grace is passionate about driving change, with a career spanning more than 35 years working within public and private sector organisations both in the UK and overseas.
Grace is passionate about driving change, with a career spanning more than 35 years working within public and private sector organisations both in the UK and overseas.
Duro Oye
Chief Executive | 20/20 Change
Duro is the CEO of 20/20 Change a multi-award-winning social enterprise leading the way to a more diverse and inclusive workforce in the UK. A qualified mind-set coach with a degree in Graphics and Advertising, he has a diploma in Documentary Filmmaking and is a fellow at the Acumen Academy.
Duro is the CEO of 20/20 Change a multi-award-winning social enterprise leading the way to a more diverse and inclusive workforce in the UK. A qualified mind-set coach with a degree in Graphics and Advertising, he has a diploma in Documentary Filmmaking and is a fellow at the Acumen Academy.
Joanne Conway
Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusiveness | DLA Piper
Joanne has a background in Finance and Psychology and is an accredited facilitator in Inclusive Leadership, she advises the Executive on all matters DE&I. Joanne is also an Associate lecturer at Salford University and a doctoral student at Cranfield University on the topic of privilege.
Joanne has a background in Finance and Psychology and is an accredited facilitator in Inclusive Leadership, she advises the Executive on all matters DE&I. Joanne is also an Associate lecturer at Salford University and a doctoral student at Cranfield University on the topic of privilege.
Rebecca Scott
Senior Resource Manager | Jacobs
An experienced Talent Acquisition specialist, Rebecca is also a Culture & Belonging Champion and in 2021 was nominated for the Jacobs Inclusive Leader of the Year Award.
An experienced Talent Acquisition specialist, Rebecca is also a Culture & Belonging Champion and in 2021 was nominated for the Jacobs Inclusive Leader of the Year Award.
Siji Onabanjo
Growth Officer | Cyber-Duck
Featured by EMpower Future Leaders 2021, BD100, TechRound's 50 under 50 BAME entrepreneurs; Siji leads the strategic growth of a digital agency and is the founder of The B in BAME.
Featured by EMpower Future Leaders 2021, BD100, TechRound's 50 under 50 BAME entrepreneurs; Siji leads the strategic growth of a digital agency and is the founder of The B in BAME.
Ritika Wadhwa
Founder & CEO | Prabhaav Global
Ritika has 25+ years of Board level experience across 3 continents. She leads the Cultural Intelligence Centre's work in the UK, supporting some of the world's largest organisations to address their multicultural challenges and opportunities. Ritika is also an Advisory Board member for the British Transport Police.
Ritika has 25+ years of Board level experience across 3 continents. She leads the Cultural Intelligence Centre's work in the UK, supporting some of the world's largest organisations to address their multicultural challenges and opportunities. Ritika is also an Advisory Board member for the British Transport Police.
Dr Jasmine Momoh
Junior Doctor | NHS
Jasmine currently works as a junior doctor following the completion of her bachelors degree in Medicine and Surgery. She also has a first class degree in Biomedical Science. She is now launching a business which aims to help healthcare workers feel more comfortable, represented and well-dressed whilst at work.
Jasmine currently works as a junior doctor following the completion of her bachelors degree in Medicine and Surgery. She also has a first class degree in Biomedical Science. She is now launching a business which aims to help healthcare workers feel more comfortable, represented and well-dressed whilst at work.
Caroline Mayhead
People Director | Serco
Caroline has over 20 years HR experience across a variety of industries and disciplines. She has worked for household names including John Lewis and Waitrose.
Caroline has over 20 years HR experience across a variety of industries and disciplines. She has worked for household names including John Lewis and Waitrose.
Demi Sobowale
Founder of GBD Brushes and Client Services Consultant
A believer and activist in empowering and reaffirming women’s confidence in their natural beauty and ability. Alongside this she is a client services consultant in the financial services sector, since graduating from the University of Warwick with a History BA degree.
A believer and activist in empowering and reaffirming women’s confidence in their natural beauty and ability. Alongside this she is a client services consultant in the financial services sector, since graduating from the University of Warwick with a History BA degree.
Yeshua Carter
Consultant & Social Entrepreneur | EY and EY Outreach
Yeshua is an award-winning consultant at EY’s People Advisory Service. He is also founder of EY Outreach and has been a project lead for First Class Legacy's 'Dear Youngers’ initiative which works with young BME men to improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Yeshua is an award-winning consultant at EY’s People Advisory Service. He is also founder of EY Outreach and has been a project lead for First Class Legacy's 'Dear Youngers’ initiative which works with young BME men to improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Warren Ifill
MBA Employer Relations Manager | Aston University
Warren connects talent to opportunity and is passionate about helping students achieve their career goals.
Warren connects talent to opportunity and is passionate about helping students achieve their career goals.
Thanh Catachanas
Head of Collaboration & Acquisition | JCDecaux
A media professional with over 20 years’ experience working with regional and national brands on multi-channel advertising and marketing campaigns.
A media professional with over 20 years’ experience working with regional and national brands on multi-channel advertising and marketing campaigns.
Samantha Owo
Inclusion & Diversity Lead | Lloyds Banking Group
Samantha leads the Race Action Plan for Lloyds Banking Group, responsible for the successful plan implementation, integral to the Cultural, Inclusion and Diversity transformation. An experienced HR, Learning & Development, and I&D leader, developing strategies, enhancing leaders, their teams and organisational culture.
Samantha leads the Race Action Plan for Lloyds Banking Group, responsible for the successful plan implementation, integral to the Cultural, Inclusion and Diversity transformation. An experienced HR, Learning & Development, and I&D leader, developing strategies, enhancing leaders, their teams and organisational culture.
Our Youth Judges
Aaron Michael
Aaron has always had a passion for entrepreneurship and self education, he has read every well-known self help book you can imagine! Through immense solitude, Aaron has used this attained knowledge to scale his initial business idea into a six figure business before turning 18.
Aderonke Ademola
Aderonke is a MA Criminology and Social Research Methods student at York and an aspiring academic/ researcher (social sciences and policy). She is active in numerous organisations that champion mental health, diversity & inclusion and advocacy, such as currently being a Youth Advisor for YoungMinds, an advisory board member for GirlDreamer and the Planning Coordinator for Black Access York.
Augustina Ofori Kwarteng
Augustina is passionate about recognising talent and expressing individuality through fashion and creativity using social media as a platform to showcase her style. Alongside this, Augustina works within the financial sector, since graduating from the university of Warwick where she studied Politics, Philosophy and Law.
Chelsey Small
Chelsey is a Corporate Tax manager at Grant Thornton, focusing on advising UK and international privately-owned businesses in the mid-market. She is passionate about helping youths in her community to dream big and reach high-achieving goals.
Ikechukwu Osakwe
Ikechukwu is a Collaboration Designer and Facilitator in PwC’s Consulting practice and a qualified Coach. His passion for empowering young people is why he sits on the governing body of Kings Maths School and runs PwC’s Diversity Mentoring Scheme.
Jonathan Williams
Johnathan is a Birmingham-based photographer, videographer and content creator. He began his freelance career two weeks after graduating from University. He has worked alongside notable companies such as Paramount, GRM Daily, Netflix, Flight Club Darts, Shutterstock and many more.
Junior Makame
Junior is the driving force behind SocialPro, an AI tool that acts as a personal TikTok strategist for hundreds of creators. His innovative mindset has attracted a significant following, with over 12,000 users on SocialPro's waitlist and a personal online following of over 37,000.
Parris Small
Parris is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion, with a particular focus on racial and gender equity. As a former apprentice, she champions equal opportunities into the working world but emphasises STEM roles. Beyond her day job as a Software Engineer, Parris also excels as a host and presenter, leading events such as awards ceremonies and conferences.
Sapphire Clough
Sapphire is a Change and Transformation professional with a background in Psychology. Her primary role is that of a Business Analyst, whilst also serving as the current DEI lead at her firm. She is also an active member of her community. Sapphire is dedicated to enriching young people from age 8-13 with a diverse curriculum that includes topics such as Black History. She aims to be a transformative influence within her community, advocating for positive change and diversity.
Tyrell Davis-Douglin
Tyrell, aka Mr Prospect, is a Self Appointed Ambassador For The Youth Of The United Kingdom. He works tirelessly to speak the truth to ‘The Powers Above’ in hope of bringing about a fairer and more progressive future for Upcoming Generations of Young People. As a result of his transformational work he has been the Highly Commended Young Enterprising Person Of The Year Issued by Croydon's Annual Business Excellence Awards.
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