Jurassicg1rl honoured at UK’s Largest Diversity Awards
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“I am humbled by this recognition. Thank you to my family, my bedrock for all my success.”
Image: National Diversity Awards
Dr Anjana Khatwa (@jurassicg1rl) Honoured at UK’s Largest Diversity Awards
One of Britain’s most loved presenters Konnie Huq hosted the 09th annual National Diversity Awards on Friday 17th September.
After a much-anticipated delay, community organisations and role models from across the UK headed to the breathtaking Liverpool Cathedral on 17th September to witness the countries 2020 winners being crowned the best of British diversity.
Dr Anjana Khatwa (who holds an advisory role at Careys Secret Garden) beat seven others in the running for the Positive Role Model for Race, Faith and Religion.
Dr Anjana Khatwa is an Earth Scientist, Presenter and EDI Champion. In her role at Careys Secret Garden she hopes to further explore our connection to UK landscapes and beyond. Her background in creating educational programmes will ensure Carey can offer enriching and refreshingly modern courses for all ages and backgrounds.
Anjana is a changemaker in the sector and will continue to champion and advocate for those who need nature most. In partnership with Careys, she will be developing a course to help practitioners in the natural heritage sector learn about how they can be more inclusive in governance, strategy, and action in order to open pathways for diverse engagement in green spaces.
Anjana tweeted: “I am humbled by this recognition. Thank you to my family, my bedrock for all my success. @HeritageFundUK, @WessexMuseums, RamblersGB, @GeolSoc for supporting my voice. Friends and family who have loved and lifted me. Thank you all”
Image: National Diversity Awards
ITV News have been working in conjunction with organisers leading up to the ceremony to highlight role models and community organisations on regional and national news channels.
The ceremony, which was also live streamed has been described as the ‘golden globes of the diversity world’ among attendees. In addition to real life diversity heroes, a number of special guests made an appearance at the UK’s largest diversity awards to show their support for the incredible nominees who have changed the lives of many.
NielsenIQ and Direct Line Group were amongst some of the brands sponsoring the pioneering awards that have paid tribute to over one thousand grass root charities and diversity champions since its inception. Other companies shining a light on diverse talent included The Open University, MI5, MI6, GCHQ, Lush Spa, OVO Group and the Avast Foundation.
A record 60,000 people nominated last year alone with an astonishing 126 nominees being recognised for their various achievements nationwide. Amongst those being commended were the real stars of the show; From a campaign challenging outdated perceptions of Down Syndrome, to a programme helping disadvantaged women and girls; Liverpool’s grand Cathedral was filled with goodness.
The energy in the room was an intrinsically positive one, with each nominee being extremely supportive of each other. The evening was kicked off by founder of the NDA’s Paul Sesay, discussing the importance of the National Diversity Awards and what inspired him to create the ceremony.
“After a difficult year with many challenges to overcome due to the impact of Covid-19, I am so thrilled to finally be able to give our 2020 nominees the ceremony that they deserve” said Mr Sesay. “It is a privilege to recognise your bravery, resilience and courage. This night is for you; In my eyes and in the eyes of many others – you have already won.”
The first award of the night went to 15 year old TikTok star Isabella Evans who has made quite the impression online teaching people sign language, one sign at a time. Changing Places Ambassador Zack Kerr was next to receive an award in the positive role model category campaigning tirelessly for disabled facilities at service stations across the UK. Award winning cyber security consultant Lisa Ventura was gifted with the gender accolade for working ferociously to challenge injustice when it comes to the gender pay gap and the cyber skills gap for women.
Metropolitan Police Officer Laks Mann was named LGBT role model of the year for raising awareness and understanding, as well as increasing visibility of the UK’s South Asian queer community, whilst Earth Scientist Dr Anjana Khatwa was awarded the positive role model for race, faith and religion for bringing stories about the origins and formation of natural landscapes to life for a wide range of audiences.
WelcoME Founder Gavin Neate scooped the Entrepreneur of Excellence Award for transforming the way in which customer-facing businesses serve disabled people through technology. Another highlight of the evening came when an independent, parent-led charity Skylarks accepted the Community Organisation Award for supporting over 4000 children and young people with disabilities.
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust were presented with the Diverse Company Award, and GYRO – the Young Person’s Advisory Service were hailed for supporting LGBTQ+ children and young people across Merseyside.
Wouldn’t Change a Thing were commended for modernising mainstream perceptions of Down Syndrome, and Us Programme were applauded for working with young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds who need society’s help the most.
Black Health Initiative (BHI) beat seven other competitors for addressing inequalities and inequities in Education, Health and Social Care, and The Scottish Centre for Personal Safety emerged as winners of the Multi-Strand category for helping over 6,500 individuals to make significant changes to their lives through personal safety, conflict resolution and practical self defence training.
Director of Operation Black Vote (OBV) Lord Simon Woolley CBE received the prestigious lifetime achiever award with a list of tremendous achievements recognised by judges, including transforming our political and civic institutions.
Keeping the art of traditional Bhangra dancing alive, Nachda Sansaar wowed the audience with an energetic performance, and the ceremony concluded with X factor’s LMA Choir filling the grand Cathedral will their stunning vocals.
Image: National Diversity Awards
Designed to highlight the country’s most inspirational and selfless people, the NDA’s are supported by the likes of Stephen Fry, Graham Norton and Adam Hills amongst many. Philanthropist and TV presenter, Katie Piper, said;
“I am so proud to be on the judging panel for the National Diversity Awards. In what has been a tough year for many, I am so pleased these awards create and celebrate a new generation of positive role models. As a campaigner myself, I will love reading about the excellent achievements of grass-root communities which tackle the issues in today’s society with sheer dedication. I can’t wait to honour these charities, role models and community heroes who will have shown outstanding commitment to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion.”
The National Diversity Awards was a real feel good ceremony, where each nominee had earned their right to be in attendance for their fantastic work in their specific community.
The UK’s grandest celebration of diversity was a wholeheartedness event refreshingly celebrated in such swanky style, that it was evident who were the stars of this show, the well-deserving, humble and extraordinary nominees.
Follow Dr Anjana Khatwa on Twitter
Jurassicg1rl Honoured at UK’s Largest Diversity Awards, published September 2021
