2025 Finalists
The shortlist across twelve categories in our inaugural year.
Outstanding Contribution to Charity & Community
Birmingham Says No CIC
Jamie Dennis
Terri-Louise Brown
The Shia Family
Tippa Naphtali
Vision for All
Vision for All has made an incredible impact in the community through giveaways, shopping trips, mentoring, and impactful programs across Birmingham. Their passion for change and innovation is clear. They deserve recognition for improving youth behaviour in schools and reducing antisocial behaviour through free sports and outreach services. As a diverse, dedicated team, they consistently go above and beyond, focusing on community impact over profit, inspiring and uplifting young people every day.
WinnerOutstanding Community Champion
Aliyah Ali
Aminah Michelle
Can Onal
DJ AG Online
Dr Tunde Okewale OBE
Dr Tunde Okewale deserves your vote for transforming the legal profession and community. As the founder of Urban Lawyers, he's empowered over 80,000 young people from underrepresented backgrounds with legal education, mentorship, and opportunities. His work boosts social mobility and diversity in law. Overcoming personal and systemic challenges, Tunde's dedication to justice and equality inspires real change.
WinnerLeon Moses
Most Inspirational Entrepreneur of the Year
Abdul Bangura
Darius Holder
Natalie Duvall & Alison Burton
Olivia Jenkins
Segun Akinwoleola
Tony Wolf
Floor Street is a powerful story of resilience and second chances. Founder Tony Wolf came to the UK from Iran at 11, faced early challenges, and served time in prison at 18 — but he turned his life around. In 2019, he launched Floor Street, growing it to a £5M business in 5 years through grit and smart social media. Today, it leads with purpose, championing sustainability, community, and mental health — proving that transformation can create impact far beyond profit.
WinnerOutstanding Contribution to Equality & Diversity
Adenike Akin-Dada
Funmi Aishah Lawal
Kirsty Davies-Chinnock
Professor Inez Brown
Sadique Maskeen
Selina Brown
Selina Brown has opened doors for Black British writers and readers across the UK. Through the Black British Book Festival, she's not only celebrated Black authors but helped shift the publishing landscape by making inclusion a priority. Her work inspires change, sparks national conversation, and creates real opportunities for communities that are often left out.
WinnerOutstanding Contribution to Health & Wellbeing
Kevin Kararwa Leukaemia Trust (KKLT)
Nathan Demonte
Ricara Jackson
ROCUP
Simba Rwambiwa
Simba Rwambiwa is a dedicated leader in the care industry, founder of Palmlove Care Services Ltd, a home care agency focused on independence, dignity, and personalised support for the elderly. As a 2023 BBC Apprentice contestant, he demonstrated innovation and leadership. Simba's passion for sustainable care solutions drives real impact — improving lives and inspiring lasting change in the care sector.
WinnerSimone Bell
Outstanding Contribution to Sport
Abdul Buhari OLY
Charlene Gravesande
Darren Lewis
Mayowa ‘Obiagu’ Quadri
Sport 4 Life UK
Women in Sport
In 2024, Women in Sport achieved £1.9M turnover, scaling programmes and launching #TimeTogether — a national campaign reaching 10M+ people and adopted by 60+ organisations to get mothers and daughters active. A study on cost-of-living and girls' sport access led to direct policy impact and shaped Sport England funding. They expanded Girls Active in schools and piloted a Menopause and Sport framework with major partners — driving deep, measurable impact across age groups and systems.
WinnerOutstanding Contribution to Media & Entertainment
Afua Hagan
Ed James
Kyrah Gray
Marverine Cole
Marverine's work has transformed both on-screen representation and behind-the-scenes inclusion in a resistant industry. Through mentoring, producing documentaries, anchoring news, and influencing national conversations, she leads with empathy and integrity. Her connection with audiences and support for emerging voices make her a media role model.
WinnerNadia Jae
Sebastian Thiel
Outstanding Business of the Year
Event Pro Security Management Ltd
Find Me a Solicitor
Kurl Kitchen
Plantmade
The Turmeric Co.
In 2024, The Turmeric Co. hit a record £5.2M turnover, a 48% year-on-year increase. They expanded into 700+ Holland & Barrett stores, marking a major move into retail, and cut plastic use by 40% through sustainable packaging. Their partnerships grew to include the English Institute of Sport and Premier League clubs, strengthening their performance credentials. With over 1 million units sold, they've shown strong brand loyalty and operational excellence while scaling.
WinnerFloor Street
Outstanding Contribution to Leadership
Amina Hussain
Chris Passey
Ibiyemi Fasipe
Ramona Williams
Sheniece Charway
Sheniece Charway is a transformative leader at YouTube EMEA, championing inclusive storytelling and amplifying underrepresented voices, especially Black and minority communities. She led the multi-million-dollar YouTube Black Voices Fund, driving equity and investing in creators. Sheniece builds partnerships that improve access and visibility, mentors colleagues, and empowers diverse creators to build careers.
WinnerStewart Cumberbatch
Rising Star Award
Alicia Burnett
Jasneet Grover
Jordane Skye
Khamani Edwards
Khamani Edwards, 17, is a resilient young entrepreneur and founder of KJ's Craft Time. During the lockdown, he built a thriving business offering educational craft boxes, including a special range for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Living with Dystonia, Khamani turned personal challenges into a mission for inclusivity, making arts and crafts accessible for all. His passion, innovation, and commitment to social impact make him a remarkable young leader, building a movement for creativity and education.
WinnerMichael Mensah Tetteh
Shyheim Prince
Role Model of the Year
Big Manny
Casey Bailey
Joss Cambridge-Simmons
Joss Cambridge-Simmons is more than a childcare hero; he's a force of love and change. Founder of Jossycare, he's dedicated to breaking stereotypes and infusing love into every aspect of childcare. His accolades, including the National Diversity Award in 2019, UK Nanny of the Year, and the Gentlemen's Award in 2022, reflect his passion. Joss is leading a love-infused revolution in childcare, turning the industry upside down with his commitment to care, compassion, and excellence.
WinnerMaxwell D
Paige Lewin
Tokeer Ahmed
Outstanding Contribution to Social Change
Abimbola Oliyide
Andrew Fuller
Deo Kato
Dr Charlene Makita
Faron Paul
Faron Paul's knife surrender campaign has removed hundreds of weapons from UK streets, preventing harm and saving lives. He meets at-risk youth with empathy and timely support, offering one-on-one help and public talks that create trusted paths away from violence. Faron also supports grieving families and raises awareness of root causes like poverty and trauma. His frontline work drives both immediate safety and lasting change across the UK.
WinnerKhalia Ismain
Special Recognition Award
Dr Beverly Lindsay OBE
Dame Beverly Lindsay OBE, OD, DL has dedicated her life to serving others through community leadership, entrepreneurship, and public service. As Vice Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands, she continues to champion communities, celebrate unsung heroes, and inspire future generations. Her lifelong commitment to promoting Jamaican heritage, mentoring others, and creating lasting social impact makes her a truly deserving recipient of the Special Recognition Honorary Award.
WinnerTrailblazer Honorary Award
Angie Le-Mar
Angie Le Mar is a pioneering comedian, writer, producer, director and broadcaster whose groundbreaking career has transformed British entertainment. From becoming the first Black British woman to have her own stand-up show in London's West End to starring in the iconic The Real McCoy, Angie has broken barriers while championing diverse voices on stage and screen. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to British culture and her lasting legacy of opening doors for others, Angie Le Mar received the Multicultural Inspire Awards Trailblazer Honorary Award.
WinnerLifetime Achievement Honorary Award
Moira Stuart CBE
Moira Stuart was presented with the Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to British broadcasting. As the first Black female newsreader on British television, her pioneering career has inspired generations and left an enduring legacy of excellence, professionalism, and representation.
WinnerIcon Honorary Award
Dame Denise Lewis
Dame Denise Lewis DBE is one of Britain's most celebrated athletes, best known for winning Olympic gold in the heptathlon at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Since retiring from elite sport, she has become a respected broadcaster, author, and advocate for health, wellbeing, and leadership. Through her work on and off screen, Denise continues to inspire people to embrace change, build resilience, and achieve their full potential.
Winner