This year we received an exceptional number of high-quality nominations. The standard was outstanding, and it was no easy task for our shortlist judges to make decisions at this stage. The passion, innovation, leadership and resilience demonstrated by young people and youth-focused organisations has been nothing short of inspiring.
To all our finalists — congratulations and good luck!
Now it’s over to you.
Public voting is officially open, and your votes will play a vital role before our main judging panel reconvenes to review all applications in full detail and determine the overall winner in each category.
Cast your vote now at:
www.inspirationalyouthawards.co.uk
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 25 April 2026.
Why #FutureInAction?
This year’s theme, #FutureInAction, represents more than a hashtag. It reflects the reality we are witnessing every day:
Young people are not “the leaders of tomorrow” they are leading, innovating and driving change today.
From entrepreneurship and campaigning to sport, STEAM, community leadership and creative industries, our finalists are actively shaping the future in real time. They are solving problems, launching businesses, advocating for inclusion and building stronger communities.
Recognising young people matters.
When we celebrate youth achievement:
- We raise aspirations.
- We build confidence.
- We create visible role models.
- We connect young talent with opportunity.
- We show the next generation that their voices are seen, heard and valued.
The Inspirational Youth Awards exists to provide a professional, high-prestige platform that honours young excellence with the same recognition afforded to established leaders. Because talent deserves visibility regardless of age.
2026 FINALISTS
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Anna Robinson – LC Construction and Property Maintenance Services
Caleb Alabi – Mondelēz International
Grace McDougall – Ginger Nut Training
Isaac Goodall – Mott Macdonald
Jayden Hughes – JLR
Joel Ohene – KPMG
Jonathan Solola – Ogilvy
Joshua Owusu – Kohler Mira Ltd
Kirat Singh – EY apprentice
Mandeep Dosanjh – Specsavers Dudley
Samuel Higginbottom – Mott MacDonald
Tawfieq Zakria – West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
APPRENTICESHIP CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
Ginger Nut Training
Greencore
Investate UK
The Apprentice Coach
ARTS & CULTURE AWARD
Addie Parr
Anna-Mahiri Kane
Anya Kalsi
Ashaea Robinson
Cerina Gordon
Floria Paul
Keiaira Ansine
Kira Greaves
Muminah Koleoso
Shaq Shadare
Tiffani Walsh
Vignesh Venkataramaiah
CAMPAIGNER OF THE YEAR
Farid Issaka
Rayaan Farah
Ryan Matope
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Alexios Zachariades-Layland – Gumbudii
Ameira Cole – The Hair Lab
Feldon Haynes – Feldeluxe
Hannah Bercasio – Next Gen Tutors LTD
Matt Waite – Wiggle and Push
Nana Agyapong
Onye Devis
Shania Edwards – 7ven Star Entertainment
Tehreem Sandhu – Farm to Tables
FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR
Amira Mitchell & Karshima Williamson
Bethany Park
Gia Dhami
John Kuei
Maria Ahmed
INCLUSIVITY AWARD
Chisom Ugochukwu
Fergus Brint
Khadija Ismail
Rio Nembard
INNOVATIVE YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR
Abdur-Rahman Iyiola – NetworKING
Cenk Mustafa – Apprentadream
Daniel Tavillizadeh
Dipo Omowaye – NetworKING
George Dandison – StartUPs
Kareena Thumber
Nimra Younis
INSPIRATIONAL PERSON OF THE YEAR
Abdul Hadi – Root Research LTD
Andrew (Endri) Shahu – Aspiring Legal Network
Arber Ismaili
David Moluba
Dominic Bromley – Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Jaden Payne
Keniea Russell – Young Leaders Club
Luca Chigbo – EY
Millicent Wenlock – The Care Experienced Movement
Pheobe Carr
Priya Kaur – The Priya Kaur
Tee Wallace
Valentina Baez – Aston Villa Football Club
MOST PROMISING RISING STAR IN EMPLOYMENT
Ellie Louise – Emotion Dysregulation in Autism
Faizan Tariq – Matthew Boulton College (BMET)
Finnbarr Mitchell-de Vesey – South & City College Birmingham
Gretel Hewitt-Clarkson – National Neurodiversity Training Ltd
Joshua Russell – Nissan Motor GB
Kirtan Uttarkar – Ernst & Young
Kweli Clay – Nationwide
Kyle Armstrong – Morgan Stanley
Macey Winspur – Pyvital Ltd
Maria Nkaya – BDO
Oliver Linnett – KPMG
Owen Ford – University of Staffordshire
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY AWARD
Alvin Gashaija
Birmingham United FC
Bw4E
Ginger Nut Training
Humera Khatun
Joseph Dean
Madiha Mehmood
Mir Tasin
Naisha Vora
Pedram Bani Asadi
Rhys Martin
St Basils Youth Voice – Speak up for Change Podcast
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO YOUNG PEOPLE AWARD
Abdulah Mohamud
Aziza Anjum
Bangladesh Youth League – CYCD Youth Centre
Bobby Forbes – UK Youth Parliament
Fahmida Anika
Hannah Smith
Isabella Xenopoulos
Muhammad-Ali Shah
Peniel Kinni
Rees Foundation
Reuben Cottrell
Romario Ellis
SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR
Fatma Ahmed – Archway Boxing Group
Henley Cavanagh
Jaya Kalsi
Kurtis Ashton – University of Staffordshire
Oliver Hatfield – UK Sports
Ruby Waller
Samuel Ofoche – Joseph Chamberlain College
Tianna Klaric – The Crypt School
STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Anabelle Boachie – Joseph Chamberlain College
Ananya Gupta – Siemens
Feldon Haynes – Feldeluxe
Hamdhi Mohamed – University of Northampton
Ilenia Maietta – Queen Mary University London
Kyro Baker
Laaiba Akhtar – Joseph Chamberlain College
Sabrin Osman
Serah Elizabeth – Joseph Chamberlain College
Timi Ajiboye
Vishnu Vohra – Aspiring Apprentice
Yavanica Sethi – Birmingham City University
YOUNG ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Benji Quansah
Cola B
Devontae Nicholas
Joseph Odusanya
Josh Santos
Lamar Riviere
Lo Williams
Marley Lawrence
Rayhanah Rowe
YOUNG INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR
Anusha Chandra-Paisley – Thru Nush’s Lens
Ciana Williams – Ambitious Lives
Glory Aggrey – KPMG
Jacob Williams – Brumtown
Keira Carter
Kimberley Okwuasaba – Kimberleyonline
Lilyemma & Eliz Whalley & McGreevy – Blonde Vibrations
Nana Yaw Amoako Asare
Onye Devis
Raina Das
Sean Mweso – Birmingham Metropolitan College
Teori- Ann Williams
YOUNG LEADER OF THE YEAR
Angel Ahlawat
Dyane Koane Wong – University of Northampton
Isabel Candir – University of Leeds
Khadija Bashar – Anti-Racism Initiative
Mia Lippolis
Moses Lukela – Young VisionariesUK CIC
Nawal Jeilani Sheikh Bin-Sheikh – Simmons and Simmons LLP
Oreoluwa Ajayi – King Edward VI Five Ways School
Riely Connor – Birmingham United
Ryan Matope
Wafi Hanafee – The Appversity Network
Yokio Walker – Lightpost Arts
YOUNG STEAM PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Binita Makanji
Isharvir Karir
Jemima Orakwue
Juhie Radia
Netania Joseph
Suleymaan Khan
YOUTH ACTIVIST OF THE YEAR
Aya Alissa – Barnardo’s
Dewi Emberton
Jason Sparkhall
YOUTH LEADERSHIP CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
Demi Burden – Phoenix Combined Cadet Force
Morrisons
Rithik Bigra – Inpower Academy
YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Automotive Youth
Azim Tutors
BOA
EPIC
Ginger Nut Training
INSPIRE Project
North East Young Dads and Lads Project CIO
Punch Records
Rees Foundation
Scrolla
Staffs Computing Society
T-Learn
YOUTH SPORTS ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
Grace Robinson
Hasan Patel
Rohan Handa
Ruby McDonald BCyA
Once again — congratulations to every finalist.
Your stories represent the very best of what our young generation has to offer. Let’s continue celebrating the changemakers, innovators and leaders who are putting the #FutureInAction.
Vote now and help us recognise the next generation of excellence.
