Inspirational Youth Awards Winner 2026
Mandeep Dosanjh – Specsavers Dudley
Apprentice of the Year
Mandeep Dosanjh, 16, is an outstanding Level 3 Optical Assistant Apprentice at Specsavers Dudley, demonstrating exceptional drive, professionalism and impact from the very start of her career. Passionate about making a real difference, she applies her learning daily to improve patient care, enhance customer experience and support her team. Mandeep has already delivered measurable results, from improving efficiency to increasing customer satisfaction and engagement. A natural leader, she mentors colleagues, champions apprenticeships, and inspires others through her journey. Her resilience, innovation and commitment mark her as a future leader within the optical profession.
Kareena Thumber
Innovative Person of the Year
Kareena Thumber, 18, is an inspiring young innovator dedicated to tackling real-world challenges affecting young people. As the founder of CIVOXA, she is developing a data-driven app to help users navigate safer routes by identifying knife crime hotspots, empowering young people to make informed decisions. She also launched The Connective, a youth-led platform connecting volunteers with community initiatives, fostering collaboration and social impact. Balancing her projects alongside A-level studies, Kareena has demonstrated exceptional creativity, resilience and leadership, using technology and community action to build safer, more connected futures.
Hannah Smith – Mind
Outstanding Contribution to Young People Award
Hannah Smith, 22, is an exceptional Peer Support Worker at Mind, dedicated to empowering young people facing mental health challenges. Drawing on her lived experience as a young carer supporting parents with severe mental health conditions, Hannah brings empathy, authenticity and deep understanding to her role. She provides personalised, holistic support, helping young people build confidence, resilience and independence. Going above and beyond, she volunteers her time to create safe spaces and opportunities for connection. Despite personal challenges, Hannah remains a constant source of strength and hope, making a profound and lasting impact on the lives of young people.
Vignesh Venkataramaiah
Arts and Culture Award
Vignesh Venkataramaiah, 24, is a powerful spoken word artist, curator and community builder using poetry to explore identity, culture and social issues. From viral online work to award-winning performances, he has captivated audiences nationwide with thought-provoking pieces addressing mental health, migration and belonging. As a key figure in Birmingham’s creative scene, Vignesh curates events, supports emerging artists and leads initiatives that improve accessibility within the arts. Through projects like Poets Palace and grassroots workshops, he creates inclusive spaces that empower voices and foster connection, making a lasting cultural impact across communities.
Chisom Ugochukwu
Inclusivity Award
Chisom Ugochukwu, 17, is a passionate advocate for inclusivity, driven by her own experiences of feeling different as a young Black girl growing up in the UK. Through leadership roles including Deputy Head Girl and Student Executive Secretary, she has championed equality, diversity and belonging. Chisom has led fundraising initiatives, supported vulnerable communities, and launched a homelessness outreach project focused on dignity and human connection. As an ambassador for Mr and Miss Teen Nigeria UK, she empowers young girls to embrace their identity and potential. Her work inspires others to celebrate differences and create spaces where everyone feels valued and included.
Macey Winspur – Pyvital Ltd
Most Promising Rising Star in Employment
Macey Winspur, 19, is an exceptional talent at Pyvital Ltd whose rapid career progression reflects her ambition, resilience and impact. Starting as a Delivery Consultant, she rose to Senior Recruiter within just 12 months, contributing to 25 placements and generating £130,000 in revenue. Beyond her commercial success, Macey has led marketing initiatives, grown digital platforms, and represented the business across the Midlands. Her influence extends further through speaking at the House of Lords and leading youth-focused initiatives. With a powerful combination of drive, leadership and creativity, Macey is a true rising star with an exciting future ahead.
BW4E (Broadcast Work for Education CIC)
Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award
BW4E (Broadcast Work for Education CIC) is a transformative organisation dedicated to empowering young people aged 16–25 to build sustainable careers in the broadcasting and media industries. Focused on fairness, inclusion and opportunity, BW4E creates meaningful pathways by connecting young people to paid, industry-standard roles supported by mentoring and accredited training. Over the past year, they have supported over 50 young people into paid work and engaged more than 300 participants through workshops and programmes. Championing social mobility and equal access, BW4E is redefining entry into the creative industries and inspiring the next generation of talent.
Anabelle Boachie – Joseph Chamberlain College
Student of the Year
Anabelle Boachie, 17, is an exceptional and ambitious student at Joseph Chamberlain College with a clear passion for aerospace engineering. Studying a challenging combination of A Level Physics, Philosophy, Ethics and Religion, alongside a BTEC in IT, she consistently demonstrates academic excellence, curiosity and determination. Her standout achievement includes designing and building a robotic arm for a Mars Rover as part of her EPQ, showcasing advanced technical and problem-solving skills. Beyond the classroom, Anabelle actively engages in STEM opportunities and inspires her peers with her positivity, resilience and “yes” attitude, embodying the future of innovation and leadership.
Ginger Nut Training
Apprenticeship Champion of the Year
Ginger Nut Training is a leading apprenticeship provider known for high‑quality, inclusive programmes that help learners thrive. They offer flexible, employer‑led training with strong personalised support and standout provision for neurodiverse and disadvantaged learners. With exceptional completion and distinction rates that exceed national benchmarks, they drive real social mobility through impactful partnerships and meaningful community initiatives, helping apprentices build confident, successful careers.
Matt Waite – Wiggle and Push
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Matt Waite, 22, is the founder of Wiggle and Push, an innovative aviation business born from his own experience as a student pilot facing financial barriers. Teaching himself to sew, Matt began by creating affordable parachute bags and has since expanded to producing bespoke aviation interiors and accessories. His hands-on, customer-focused approach allows him to design tailored solutions, often working directly on-site with clients. Despite overcoming homelessness while studying, Matt has built a growing business recognised across the gliding community, proving his resilience, creativity and commitment to making aviation more accessible.
Dewi Emberton
Youth Activist of the Year
Dewi Emberton, 22, is a passionate transgender activist dedicated to improving access, visibility and support for trans communities. As Director of Trans Pride Manchester, Dewi played a pivotal role in revitalising the organisation and delivering a landmark event attended by over 8,000 people, creating a powerful sense of unity and belonging. Drawing from personal experience, Dewi also advocates for improved access to gender-affirming healthcare, particularly in rural Wales, and is working towards launching Trans Health Cymru. Through advocacy, research and public speaking, Dewi is driving meaningful change and championing equality for trans people across the UK.
Ryan Matope – Loreto College
Campaigner of the Year
Ryan Matope, 17, is a passionate and driven young leader dedicated to amplifying the voices of young people. As a Member of Youth Parliament and representative on Salford Youth Council, he has spoken at the House of Commons, campaigning for equal access to work experience. A Student Governor at Loreto College, Ryan plays a key role in shaping decisions that impact his peers. He is also co-founder of the youth-led “Push Past Poverty” campaign, working with MPs to tackle child poverty across Greater Manchester. Ryan’s compassion, leadership and determination make him a powerful advocate for change.
John Kueillenia Maietta
Fundraiser of the Year
John Kueillenia Maietta, 22, is an extraordinary fundraiser driven by a powerful mission to support displaced children from his home country of Sudan. Alongside his friend, he undertook an incredible 33-day journey, walking from Kent to John o’Groats in some of the harshest winter conditions, including freezing temperatures as low as -5°C. Originally aiming to raise £35,000 to build a school in a Sudanese refugee camp in Chad, John has helped raise over £100,000—enough to support multiple schools. His determination, resilience and compassion have not only raised vital funds but also shone a light on global humanitarian challenges.
Jaden Payne
Inspirational Person of the Year
Jaden Payne, 23, is a truly inspirational individual whose journey is defined by extraordinary resilience, determination and purpose. After surviving a life-threatening brain injury at just 14, Jaden defied all odds to relearn essential life skills, return to education, and achieve a BSc in Sport Rehabilitation. Now the founder of JMP Consultancy, he uses both his professional knowledge and lived experience to support others with brain injuries and hidden disabilities. As a public speaker, athlete and advocate, Jaden continues to inspire communities nationwide, proving that adversity can be transformed into strength, hope and meaningful impact.
Fatma Ahmed – Archway Boxing Group
Sportsperson of the Year
Fatma Ahmed, 20, is an inspiring boxer from Archway Boxing Group whose journey reflects resilience, courage and determination. Overcoming cultural barriers and personal challenges, she has transformed her confidence, strength and wellbeing through sport. A rising talent, Fatma has achieved multiple GB Boxing awards and secured victory in competitive bouts, while balancing her studies at Leeds University. Beyond her achievements, she is a powerful role model, leading community sessions and supporting care leavers and young people. Fatma is breaking down stereotypes, championing inclusion, and using boxing as a platform to empower others and create lasting change.
Anusha Chandra‑Paisley – Thru Nush’s Lens
Young Influencer of the Year
Anusha Chandra-Paisley, 23, is the creative force behind Thru Nush’s Lens, a platform dedicated to showcasing music, culture and emerging talent. Through interviews, event coverage, photography and storytelling, she highlights the voices shaping grassroots creative scenes, particularly across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Collaborating with organisations such as Punch Records and Pirate Studios, Anusha creates authentic, thought-provoking content that inspires connection, confidence and self-expression. Her work not only amplifies underrepresented artists but also builds a supportive community where creativity thrives, making a lasting impact on the next generation of creatives.
Nawal Jeilani Sheikh Bin‑Sheikh – Simmons & Simmons LLP
Young Leader of the Year
Nawal Jeilani Sheikh Bin-Sheikh, 22, is a trailblazing Level 7 Solicitor Apprentice at Simmons & Simmons LLP and a passionate advocate for social mobility within the legal profession. As co-founder of mylaunchpad, she has supported hundreds of aspiring solicitor apprentices, with over 20 securing roles at leading law firms. Nawal combines her legal career with national advocacy, influencing apprenticeship policy through work with UCAS and the Institute for Apprenticeships. From mentoring young people to speaking at national forums, she is committed to breaking down barriers and creating accessible pathways into law for underrepresented communities.
Suleymaan Khan
Young STEAM Personality of the Year
Suleymaan Khan, 17, is an exceptional young engineer and founder of SK Robotics, inspiring others through his passion for robotics and innovation. From building electronics at the age of five to launching his own content platforms, he now reaches thousands of young people through educational videos and tutorials. As an apprentice at FANUC UK, he is developing advanced skills while continuing to create impactful projects, including assistive robots and a 3D-printed prosthetic hand. Driven by a mission to make technology accessible, Suleymaan is empowering the next generation and using engineering to make a real difference in people’s lives.
BOA #WeWiLL Youth Social Action Project
Youth Project of the Year
The BOA #WeWiLL Youth Social Action Project is a powerful, youth-led initiative transforming lives through the arts across Birmingham. Driven by passionate student ambassadors, the project empowers young people to lead workshops, mentor peers, and deliver creative programmes to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Over the past year, it has reached nearly 2,500 children across 25 schools, promoting confidence, creativity and inclusion. By removing barriers to arts education and championing diversity, the project is creating lasting impact while proving that young people have the power to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Lamar Riviere aka Amadeus – Punch Records
Young Artist of the Year
Lamar Riviere, known artistically as Amadeus, is a talented rap artist, producer and Creative Producer at Punch Records, making a powerful impact on Birmingham’s music scene. Blending influences across genres, he creates music that is both authentic and innovative, reflecting his personal journey and artistic growth. Alongside his own releases, Lamar supports and collaborates with emerging artists, helping bring their visions to life. His work extends into the community, using music as a tool for empowerment and change. With creativity, resilience and purpose at his core, Lamar is a rising force in the industry.
Ruby McDonald BCyA
Youth Sports Advocate of the Year
Ruby McDonald BCyA, 19, is an inspiring advocate for inclusive sport who has overcome significant barriers as a care-experienced young person living with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). A passionate multi-sport athlete, Ruby competes across disciplines including athletics, swimming and para football, while dedicating over 600 hours to volunteering. As a coach and mentor, she supports young people with additional needs, promoting confidence, well-being, and inclusion. Recognised with numerous national awards, Ruby uses her platform to challenge perceptions, champion diversity, and empower others to believe in themselves and achieve their full potential.
Demi Burden
Youth Leadership Champion of the Year
Demi Burden, 18, is an outstanding young leader whose dedication to the Phoenix Combined Cadet Force has inspired those around her. Rising to Cadet Warrant Officer—the highest rank achievable—she has led with professionalism, resilience and compassion, mentoring younger cadets and setting a powerful example. Demi has achieved remarkable milestones, including becoming her contingent’s first Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet and representing the UK on the International Air Cadet Exchange. Through her leadership, service and commitment to developing others, she has strengthened her community and empowered the next generation, leaving a lasting legacy of confidence and ambition.
