National Diversity Awards 2014 Reception

We attended a pre-awards reception for the 2014 National Diversity Awards yesterday in central London. As per last year, it was a very enjoyable event with some really inspirational and amazing people.

The event was hosted by Microsoft London and we kicked off with Mike Sealey, Director of Advertising Business Operations for Microsoft, opening the event. Paul Sesay (Founder of the National Diversity Awards and The Diversity Group) thanked Microsoft and warmly welcomed us all.

Paul Sesay, Founder of the National Diversity Awards and The Diversity Group

I was lucky enough to have a front row seat so that I could lipread the speakers. I’ve never met such charismatic people, and my colleague Debbie was absolutely inspired by what she heard. Jonathan Shawcross of the sponsors Lloyds Banking Group, spoke of how hard they try to understand their diverse customers.

Diversity Awards Jonathan Shawcross, Lloyds Banking Group

Jonathan Shawcross, Chief Operating Officer, Lloyds Banking Group IT

Ann and Grace spoke about the Positive Role Model award for LGBT and the effect winning this award has had on Grace’s work with LGBT Youth Scotland.

Ann & Grace Cardozo, Service Manager at LGBT Youth Scotland

Laily Thompson told us how Transport for London want more disabled people in their workforce. Good on them!

Laily Thompson, HR Equality Manager, Transport for London

Rachel Gadsden, internationally acclaimed artist, commented on diversity in Russia – what interesting insights, we learned something new today!

Rachel Gadsden, winner of the Positive Role Model Award for Disability 2013

Positive Role Model Award for Gender winner in 2013, Vivienne Hayes, highlighted the struggle of women in today’s society.

Vivienne Hayes, CEO, Women’s Resource Centre

Liz Davies represented The Open University who sponsored the 2013 Positive Role Model Award for Race, Faith and Religion, she spoke about the importance of inspiration.

Liz Davies, Relationship Manager, The Open University

David Michael, founding member of National Black Police Association, spoke movingly of his experiences and the tragedies of today, and how the police are helping to make this a better world by focusing on diversity in recruitment.

David Michael, winner of the 2013 Positive Role Model Award for Race, Faith and Religion

Jessica Elliott & Jessica Huie had a laugh, with Jessica saying “It’s about the distance travelled. It’s all about celebrating choices, opportunity and social mobility.” They were the winners of the 2013 Entrepreneur of Excellence Award for Gender.

J's Dance Factory and ColorBlind Cards diversity

Jessica Elliott, Founder of J’s Dance Factory & Jessica Huie, founder of ColorBlind Cards

Tris Read-Smith of GayStar News took the stand, telling us he believes in positivity and freedom of choice. Patrick Voss spoke of his delight at winning 2013 Entrepreneur of Excellence Award for LGBT.

Tris Reid-Smith, Director of Gay Star News & Patrick Voss, Strategic Marketing / Planning Director and Radius Co-Founder

The entertainment arrived! MiC Lowry gave a great performance, and I very much enjoyed hearing the music clearly through my cochlear implants. The guitar and singing was very melodic and enjoyable. What a great sound.

MiC Lowry

Have a listen! –

Mouchel was keen on developing community organisations for disability and sponsored this award; Ruth Mundy told us about their aspirations.

Ruth Mundy, Group HR Director, Mouchel

The winner of the 2013 Community Organisation Award for Disability was Taking Flight Theatre Company from Cardiff. They have set a benchmark by including BSL (British Sign Language) & audio description right from the start of their productions, not as an afterthought. I’m impressed.

Beth House & Elise Davison, Co-founders of Taking Flight Theatre Company

ThoughtWorks sponsored the 2013 Community Organisation Award for Gender, won by Huffty Reah. They said drive and determination is vital.

Community Organisation Award for Gender diversity

Huffty Reah, Centre Coordinator, West End Women & Girls Centre, waits in the wings

Conversations change people, and people change the world – Huffty Reah

Birmingham LGBT developed a leadership academy and won the 2013 Community Organisation Award for LGBT. They kindly shared their champagne with us last year – lovely people! Steph is one of those jolly characters you don’t forget easily.

Steph Keeble, Director of Birmingham LGBT

One of the judges of the awards, Rob Berkeley, told us his black pudding story and introduced us to the winner of the 2013 Community Organisation Award for Race, Faith and Religion…

Rob Berkely – Researcher, Commentator and Equality Activist

… Phyliss Opoku-Gyimah. She made us all cry!

Phyllis Opoku-Gyimah, Co-Founder and Trustee of UK Black Pride

#nda2014 also stands for No Discrimination Anywhere. Let’s talk about having equality for all. – Phyllis Opoku-Gyimah

Sharon Pegg, Group Inclusion & Diversity Manager at The Co-Operative, sponsors of The Diverse Company Award, introduced Bristol Older People’s Forum, 2013 winner of the Community Organisation Award for Age.

Zia Haque, Management member of Bristol Older People’s Forum & Sharon Pegg

PwC sponsored the 2013 Community Organisation for Multi-Strand award. Andy Woodfield from PwC spoke of the fantastic work of the winner, CACH (Chase Against Crimes of Hate), who elaborated on the huge issues they faced.