ABC Awards 2025 Finalists

Mohammed Miah is Associate Director in corporate finance, a Chartered Accountant with 10+ years’ experience advising on mergers, acquisitions, and business disposals. He mentors colleagues, supports minority professionals in the North East, and champions inclusion, integrity, and empowerment across the finance sector.

Jerry Arneja is Area Director at HSBC SME Business Banking, leading a team supporting SMEs across the North East and Humber. With 24 years in banking, he champions D&I, mentors colleagues, and drives the UK/India trade corridor. Jerry combines commercial expertise with community impact, supporting local businesses and fostering inclusive leadership across the region.

Harshada Kadam is Director of Beech Cottage Dental Practices, HSPK Infra India and Prajay Education Foundation. A dentist, health coach, and dedicated mother, she has expanded two thriving UK dental practices while championing community inclusion. Inspired by her son, she advocates for children with disabilities, founding a school in India to spread hope, care, and education.

Dr Birju Bartoli became Chief Executive of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in January 2024, after over two decades rising through the organisation. With a PhD in cancer research from Newcastle University, she has led major projects including the UK’s first Specialist Emergency Care Hospital. She also champions inclusion as Race Equality Board Champion and chairs the Trust’s Organ Donation Committee.

Shamin Ali is Partner and Solicitor at Tilly Bailey & Irvine, specialising in Private Family Law, and founder of SA Properties Agency Ltd. She champions diversity, mentorship, and empowerment, supporting clients and communities through legal, real estate, and humanitarian initiatives, while inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Dhillon’s Desserts was founded by its owner at just sixteen, growing from a teenage dream into a thriving multi-location dessert business. Known for creativity, resilience, and innovation, the brand blends quality, affordability, and social media savvy, while empowering others—including mentoring family members to launch their own ventures.

Cpl Iqra Shahzadi is a military nurse in the British Army and the first Muslim hijab-wearing soldier. Breaking barriers as the first in her family to earn a degree, become a nurse, and serve in uniform, she has influenced policy, challenged stereotypes, and inspired young women to dream boldly. Her journey reflects resilience, leadership, and a commitment to both patient care and empowerment.

Dr. Dalvir Singh Bajwa is a Consultant Dermatologist specialising in skin cancer and surgery, currently completing a fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery. His journey into medicine was shaped by resilience, faith, and personal loss, leading him from monkhood and business to healthcare. Today, he combines clinical excellence with community service, music, and mentoring.

Rishi Kohli is Senior Legal Services Manager at Norton Rose Fulbright, leading a team of 50 and advising on corporate, banking, and dispute matters. He champions social mobility, inclusion, and talent development in the North-East, mentoring graduates and highlighting local opportunities, while serving on educational boards and raising the region’s professional profile.

Raza Sadiq is redefining inclusion through innovation. As founder of CultivIQ, he designs practical frameworks that make cultural safety and lawful inclusion achievable across sectors. His Cultural Intelligence Operating System and CultivCODE are helping organisations—from small businesses like Firestone Artisan to NHS services—embed cultural awareness, strengthen community trust, and align compassion with compliance. Raza’s quiet leadership is transforming inclusion from a concept into a measurable, real-world system—building a North East that is fairer, safer, and more connected for all.

FAR Training – Inclusion by Default Award Winner

At FAR Training, inclusion isn’t an add-on—it’s the foundation. As a specialist accountancy apprenticeship provider, they champion social mobility and accessibility, creating real opportunities for young people, women returning to work, and individuals from minority backgrounds.

Through flexible, learner-led training and partnerships with SMEs across North Yorkshire, FAR ensures that no one is left behind—offering recorded sessions, one-to-one support, and even free training for those in need. With over half of their learners female and the majority aged 16–21, they’re redefining what inclusive education looks like in practice.

FAR Training truly lives its values of inclusivity, collaboration, and empowerment—proving that professional success should be within everyone’s reach.

Ola has hugely improved engagement for grassroots community groups by; providing safe spaces for group leaders and members to engage effectively and promote collaboration through effective cohesion.

Julie Nicholson, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Digital Voice, is leading the charge for digital inclusion in the North East — the UK’s most digitally excluded region. Through innovative programmes like DigitalMe and inTouch, Julie empowers vulnerable and marginalised communities to gain digital confidence, share their stories, and access vital services.

From helping asylum seekers and women re-entering education to supporting patients with the NHS app, Julie’s work meets people where they are — with empathy, creativity, and purpose. After 18 years at the helm, her passion remains unwavering, transforming digital exclusion into digital empowerment across the region.

Founded in 2018, Veterans in Crisis Sunderland (ViCS) is a community interest company built on the principle of “veterans helping veterans.” Through counselling, social groups, addiction recovery, family support, and practical aid such as emergency accommodation and free furniture, ViCS has transformed lives and ensured no veteran in Sunderland sleeps rough.

Their grassroots approach and network of Armed Forces Champions across local services mean veterans receive rapid, compassionate support whenever needed. ViCS stands as a model of community-led inclusion—restoring dignity, hope, and belonging to those who have served.

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Dr. Meenakshi Choudhary is a consultant gynaecologist and senior specialist in reproductive medicine at Newcastle Fertility Centre. A clinical leader and researcher, she heads pioneering egg and mitochondrial donor programmes, advancing ethical fertility care and reproductive science. She is widely recognised for her patient-centred approach and national leadership in women’s health.

Elswick Community Pool and Gym, led by Rashida Ahmed and a dedicated team, is a charitable leisure centre in Newcastle championing inclusion, health, and wellbeing. From free summer camps and gender-specific sessions to teaching over 2,000 children to swim each year, the centre provides life-changing opportunities, breaking down barriers for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Cllr Aaron Roy is Hartlepool’s first Non-White BAME councillor, a registered nurse, and founder of Mariners United Sporting Club CIC. Through football, Kabaddi, and community programmes, he empowers youth, fosters inclusion, and unites communities. His initiatives, including the UK’s first Tri-Nations Kabaddi Cup, showcase sport as a tool for cohesion, opportunity, and cultural pride.

Autopark, based in County Durham, is built on family values of trust, transparency, and service. From first-time buyers to growing families, they make quality used cars affordable and stress-free. With rigorous inspections, competitive pricing, and a customer-first approach, Autopark has become a trusted name nationwide—earning loyalty through honesty, value, and community spirit.

Professor Muzlifah Haniffa is a Consultant Dermatologist and Professor of Dermatology & Immunology at Newcastle University. A pioneer in single-cell genomics, she co-leads the Human Developmental Cell Atlas, mapping how immune systems form and function. Her award-winning research bridges clinical medicine and fundamental biology.

Raul Kohli is a Newcastle-born stand-up comedian and broadcaster known for sharp political satire, surreal storytelling, and cultural insight. From his acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe debut Newcastle Brown Male to his 2024 show Raul Britannia, he’s won awards, toured globally, and become a distinctive voice in modern British comedy.

Dr. Shaz Wahid is a Consultant Physician and Executive Medical Director at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. With over 20 years’ experience, he has led major transformations in acute and emergency care, championed patient safety and innovation, and inspired the next generation of doctors through education and mentorship.

Saira Usman is the founder and director of Usmaira Limited and leads Usmaira Community Projects, a voluntary initiative tackling mental health stigma, isolation, and wellbeing in the South Asian community. Through events like The Mind Matters, wellbeing sessions, and the Usmaira Bazaar, she empowers women, fosters inclusivity, and builds stronger community connections across Newcastle.

T.H.E Geordieland Experience unites Tourism, Hospitality, and Events to drive social and economic impact across the North East. With over 50,000 people in their global network, the award-winning team champions local businesses and communities, supporting regional growth and inclusion. Currently in pre-seed funding for an app to boost the local economy, they continue to make the North East a must-experience destination for all.

Umbrella Faith is a pioneering social enterprise advancing cultural understanding and inclusion across the UK. Through innovative, faith-inspired products—such as their prayer mats used by the British Army and Royal Services—and educational resources like What is a Muslim?, they promote respect, dignity, and awareness for all faiths. By bridging cultural divides and fostering belonging in workplaces and communities, Umbrella Faith continues to set a national example for inclusion by default.

For nearly 40 years, St Oswald’s Hospice has been a pillar of compassion, care and inclusion in the North East. Powered by over 400 staff and 800 volunteers, the Hospice supports thousands of adults, children and families each year — delivering not only exceptional healthcare but dignity, hope and human connection.

From expanding its Children and Young Adults Outreach Service to launching innovative projects like electronic prescribing and inclusive EDI initiatives, St Oswald’s continues to set new standards in patient care and equality. Their work embodies the spirit of the Third Sector — transforming lives, uplifting communities and proving that compassion can be the most powerful form of leadership.

Bryony Rest is a highly respected immigration solicitor whose compassion, honesty, and unwavering dedication set her apart. She approaches every case with heart and integrity, ensuring clients are supported with realism and hope, never false promises.

Over the past two years, her professionalism, enthusiasm, and genuine care have inspired everyone around her. As a manager, she leads with empathy, fairness, and warmth—creating an environment where others can thrive. Bryony’s commitment to making a real difference in people’s lives makes her truly deserving of recognition and this award.

Sheona as a pioneer in the Church of England is trying to bring spiritual equality in the North East. In her Masters thesis challenged all the British Institutions contained in the Professor Alexis Jay report. She was also on the panel that chose Nazir Afzal a practicing Muslim to be the next independent Chair of the Church of England Safeguarding Team. She was asked to rewrite her thesis so she challenged psychology, psychotherapy, theology and spirituality.
She started her coaching and leadership business in order to make peace between peoples and their communities- by virtue of cultural inclusion and diverse recognition.

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The Pakistani Association North East (PANE) is a voluntary organisation dedicated to unity, inclusion, and community service. From cultural celebrations like the annual Pakistan Independence Day flag-raising to food distributions, litter-picking, and youth leadership projects, PANE builds bridges across diverse communities, fostering respect, dialogue, and shared responsibility.

Sofia Barton is a Newcastle-based visual artist celebrated for her heritage-infused illustrations, murals, and socially engaged practice. From public works like Blazing Trails for the Tyne & Wear Metro to community workshops and exhibitions across the UK, she champions identity, diversity, and storytelling through vibrant art that empowers voices and connects communities.

Shinu Yohannan is Principal Engineer at Turbo Power Systems, specialising in power electronics for rail and energy applications. With a career spanning ISRO, Germany, and the UK, Shinu drives sustainable, high-impact engineering projects while mentoring the next generation of engineers. She is a Chartered Scientist, Chartered Engineer, and International Professional Engineer.

Cllr Ehtesham Haque, born and raised in Sunderland, is the city’s youngest and first Muslim Mayor at just 28 years old. A civil servant and Labour councillor for Barnes Ward, he has championed community causes from education to environmental initiatives. His mayoralty supports local charities Hopespring and Love, Amelia, while symbolising diversity, youthful leadership, and a bold vision for Sunderland’s future.

Bryonn Architecture Limited, founded in 2014, is an award-winning firm with offices in Newcastle and London, specialising in commercial, residential, and community projects. With a near-100% planning approval rate and over 400 successful developments, the practice is known for its sustainable design, listed-building transformations, and community-focused CRD initiative supporting social projects.

Shummi Shah is the founder of Muslim Women North East (MWNE), a community group dedicated to creating safe, empowering spaces for Muslim women. From grassroots activism to initiatives like the Sunrise Club and Qur’an Journaling, she champions wellbeing, education, and belonging. Her work continues to inspire women across the North East and beyond.

Aman Chahal, CEO and co-founder of TaperedPlus, has redefined the UK flat roofing industry through innovation, sustainability, and quality. Since 2014, he has driven the company’s growth into a national leader in tapered insulation solutions, earning ISO 9001 accreditation, B Corp status, and multiple awards. His vision continues to set new standards for excellence and responsibility in construction.

Sarat Pediredla, CEO and co-founder of hedgehog lab, has built a global digital consultancy rooted in people-first values. From pioneering mobile app development to leading major growth investments and acquisitions, he champions innovation and authentic leadership. A proud North East entrepreneur, Sarat’s journey reflects resilience, inclusivity, and the belief that technology can create lasting impact.

Founded by Steph Ward after her own experiences with hip dysplasia and ADHD, SWOBS champions inclusivity and neurodiversity in entrepreneurship. In just a year, Steph grew from a one-woman team to a thriving business with eight full-time employees—both neurodivergent and neurotypical—with an all-female management team. Through her Spicy Brain Collective, including SWOBS and the Bootstrap Business Club, Steph empowers disabled and neurodiverse individuals to build businesses their way. Her mission-driven approach has earned awards, trust, and recognition for driving meaningful change across the UK.

John Mills, founder of STTAA CIC, is pioneering a transformative approach to the Home to School transport experience for autistic children and young people. Drawing from his own experience as a school bus driver, John identified major gaps in training and care, and has since worked tirelessly with parents, educators, councils, and universities to raise standards and design sensory-friendly, inclusive transport solutions.

With two local authorities set to pilot his programme and multiple awards from Newcastle University’s Internet of Caring Things initiative, John’s vision is creating meaningful change—retraining drivers, improving accessibility, and setting a new national benchmark for inclusive school transport.

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FRP Corporate Finance leads by example in creating a more inclusive, diverse and people-first workplace within a traditionally exclusive sector. The firm actively recruits from a wide range of backgrounds, embraces flexible working, and invests heavily in mentorship and professional development to ensure equal opportunities for all.

Beyond the boardroom, FRP champions inclusion through community impact — raising nearly £50,000 for the Newcastle Eagles Foundation and co-founding the Ladies in CF network to empower women in Corporate Finance. Their commitment to diversity, wellbeing and social value makes FRP a true trailblazer for inclusive business in the North East.

Following the August 2024 North East riots, Sunderland College’s Creative Arts Department launched Thread of Life — a powerful creative project that turned division into dialogue. Bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, the initiative used photography, media, and performance to celebrate local changemakers and explore themes of identity, inclusion, and resilience.

The project fostered empathy, understanding, and unity among young people, while follow-up initiatives like Hate2Riot, delivered with Northumbria Police, equipped students to challenge misinformation and prejudice.

With over 500 exhibition visitors and national recognition, Thread of Life showcased how creativity can heal communities and inspire a generation to build inclusion by default.

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