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2025 Winners

The inspirational people recognised at our inaugural ceremony.

Vision for All
Outstanding Contribution to Charity & Community

Vision for All

Sponsored by Gloss

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.

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Dr Tunde Okewale OBE
Outstanding Community Champion

Dr Tunde Okewale OBE

Sponsored by Praxis

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.

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Tony Wolf
Most Inspirational Entrepreneur of the Year

Tony Wolf

Sponsored by BYP

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.

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Selina Brown
Outstanding Contribution to Equality & Diversity

Selina Brown

Sponsored by West Midlands Combined Authority

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.

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Simba Rwambiwa
Outstanding Contribution to Health & Wellbeing

Simba Rwambiwa

Sponsored by e.on

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.

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Women in Sport
Outstanding Contribution to Sport

Women in Sport

Sponsored by Arden University

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.

Marverine Cole
Outstanding Contribution to Media & Entertainment

Marverine Cole

Sponsored by Birmingham Hippodrome

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.

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The Turmeric Co.
Outstanding Business of the Year

The Turmeric Co.

Sponsored by Allica Bank

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.

Sheniece Charway
Outstanding Contribution to Leadership

Sheniece Charway

Sponsored by Jenny Garrett Global

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.

Khamani Edwards
Rising Star Award

Khamani Edwards

Sponsored by EY

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.

Joss Cambridge-Simmons
Role Model of the Year

Joss Cambridge-Simmons

Sponsored by Virgin Money

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.

Faron Paul
Outstanding Contribution to Social Change

Faron Paul

Sponsored by Forbes Family Group

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.

Dr Beverly Lindsay OBE
Special Recognition Award

Dr Beverly Lindsay OBE

Sponsored by Black Business Magazine

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.

Angie Le-Mar
Trailblazer Honorary Award

Angie Le-Mar

Sponsored by Inspire Awards

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.

Moira Stuart CBE
Lifetime Achievement Honorary Award

Moira Stuart CBE

Sponsored by Inspire Awards

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.

Dame Denise Lewis
Icon Honorary Award

Dame Denise Lewis

Sponsored by Arden University

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.

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