Mastering Diversity Awards 2024 Celebrates Inspirational Champions of Inclusion at the Senedd

The Mastering Diversity Awards 2024, held at the prestigious Senedd in Cardiff, brought together Wales’ most influential voices in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sponsored by Hon Mark Drakeford MS, the awards recognized individuals and organizations driving meaningful change across public, private, and community sectors. With the support of Senedd Ministers, including Hon Julie Morgan MS and Hon Jane Hutt MS, the evening highlighted the Welsh Government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable society.

Bernie Davies, founder of the Mastering Diversity Conference Wales, opened the event by expressing gratitude to sponsors, judges, and attendees. Davies emphasized the importance of collaboration and strategic partnerships, which she believes are fundamental to achieving long-term success in the diversity space. She also commended the Finalists who made it to the Senedd from north, west and mid Wales, in one of the worst weather conditions in Wales in recent times.

“Diversity is not just a tick box exercise—it’s the foundation upon which we can build more inclusive, thriving communities,” said Bernie Davies. “Tonight, we celebrate those individuals and organizations who are leading by example, not just talking about change but making it happen.”

Hosted by S4C’s Natalie Jones, the awards ceremony recognized champions across nine categories, each sponsored by a key organization committed to advancing the diversity agenda. Below is the complete list of winners and runners-up:

Diversity in Public Sector (Sponsored by Browne Jacobson)

• Gold: Sarah Brewer – Public Health Wales
• Silver: Rajma Begum – WCVA
• Bronze: Hussein Said – LGBTQ + Law

Sarah Brewer, Head of People Experience at Public Health Wales, was recognized for her outstanding contributions in improving staff recruitment, diversity, and inclusion practices. Judges praised her innovative work in creating staff networks, introducing inclusive recruitment practices, and partnering with Swansea University on a groundbreaking internship scheme.

Diversity in Business Champion (Sponsored by NatWest)

• Gold: Nathan Vidini – Altra Law
• Silver: Akmal Hanuk – Assadaqaat Community Finance
• Bronze: Deb Barrow – Barrow HR

Nathan Vidini, founder of Altra Law, was celebrated for his business model, which integrates diversity and community investment into every aspect of its operations. The judges noted that Altra Law has set a high standard for other businesses in Wales by demonstrating how impactful diversity can be on both a business and societal level.

Cognitive and Neurodiversity Champion (Sponsored by Toni Clarkstone Global)

• Gold: Julian John – Delsion
• Silver: Sophie Mason – Think EDI
• Bronze: Craig & Stacey Bowles – Rosehill AFC

Julian John, CEO of Delsion, was recognized for his tireless advocacy for cognitive and neurodiversity in the workplace. Following a brain injury over a decade ago, Julian founded Delsion to drive inclusion-led innovation and has become a leading voice for disabled business leaders in the UK.

Diversity in Sports Champion (Sponsored by Team Wales)

• Gold: Rajma Begum – WCVA
• Silver: Sadique Maskeen – Umbrella Faith
• Bronze: Craig & Stacey Bowles – Rosehill AFC

Rajma Begum was honoured for her work in increasing sports participation among ethnically diverse communities. Judges commended her for leading the US Girls – Street Games UK project, establishing the Women & Girls Sports Forum, and lobbying for £1.5 million to address inequalities in sports for underrepresented groups.

Digital Inclusion Champion (Sponsored by S4C)

• Gold: Sophie Mason – Think EDI
• Silver: Philipa Knowles – Centre for Digital Public Services
• Bronze: Michelle Alexis – BBC

Sophie Mason, CEO of Think EDI, was recognized for her groundbreaking software that helps organizations better understand and accommodate their employees’ digital accessibility needs. Judges praised Sophie’s vision, which is set to transform how businesses support diverse teams in a digital landscape.

Gender Equality Champion (Sponsored by OGI)

• Gold: Molly Fenton – Love Your Period
• Silver: Anna Cooper – #BattleWithEndo & The Menstrual Health Project
• Bronze: Lesley Williams – Welsh ICE

Molly Fenton, founder of Love Your Period, was celebrated for her ongoing work in destigmatizing menstrual health and championing gender equality in schools and communities across Wales. Her advocacy has opened the door to important conversations around menstrual health for women, non-binary people, and trans men.

Diversity in Representation Champion (Sponsored by Positive Imprint)

• Gold: Blessing Mutamba – NatWest
• Silver: Akmal Hanuk – Assadaqaat Community Finance
• Bronze: Sophie Mason – Think EDI

Blessing Mutamba from NatWest was honoured for her work in improving representation in the financial sector. Judges commended her for influencing positive change within her organization and across the sector, despite significant challenges along her personal and professional journey.

Diversity in Education Champion (Sponsored by Scouts Cymru)

• Gold: Michelle Alexis – BBC
• Silver: Mfikelea Jean Samuel
• Bronze: Molly Fenton – Love Your Period

Michelle Alexis was awarded Gold for her outstanding contributions to diversity and education. Her work within the BBC and higher education sectors has left an indelible impact on policies and practices related to equality and inclusion.

Community Champion (Sponsored by Velindre Oncology Academy)

• Gold: Molly Fenton – Love Your Period
• Silver: Craig & Stacey Bowles – Rosehill AFC
• Bronze: Julie Cornish – Every Woman Festival

Molly Fenton’s Love Your Period campaign earned her yet another Gold Award, this time in the Community Champion category. Her work in building supportive communities around menstrual health and chronic illness was highlighted by the judges as exceptional and transformative.

Lifetime Achievement Awards (Sponsored by Hugh James Solicitors)

The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards, sponsored by Hugh James Solicitors, were presented to two remarkable individuals who have made a lasting contribution to diversity and inclusion:

• Professor Uzo Iwobi CBE – for her pioneering work on racial equality and advocacy
• Professor Meena Upadhyaya OBE– for her trailblazing work in healthcare and genetics

Additionally, Michelle Alexis was Highly Commended for her extensive contributions to advancing diversity in education and media, further solidifying her role as a key influencer in Wales’ diversity landscape.

The evening concluded with an emotional tribute to Bernie Davies, who was presented with an inspirational painting by Mfikelea Jean Samuel, and honoured by the High Sheriff of South Glamorgan, Janey Howell, for her outstanding contributions to diversity in Wales. The event reflected the collective effort of individuals, organizations, and government bodies to build a more inclusive future for all.