RISING STAR
of the year
in partnership with
FINALISTS
The LGBTQ+ apprentice, graduate or intern who has best demonstrated their ambition and potential to become a future LGBTQ+ leader.
listed alphabetically (by first name)
ABBIE HOOPER
AstraZeneca
Since joining AstraZeneca and their Pride PT&D team in the last year Abbie (he/they) has demonstrated themselves to be a an exceptional and admirable LGBTQ+ activist both internally and externally, with a focus on marginalised aspects of the community. Resources created during LGBT history month to educate the business globally on key LGBTQ+ individuals pivotal to medicine throughout history and support with delivering PT&D Pride team events were highlighted in their nomination.
Sage
As well as being nominated for her exceptional contributions to Sage and her unwavering commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace, the inspirational journey that Abi (she/her) has been on as a proud representative of the lesbian community featured in her nomination. Her dedication and the significant time and energy invested into advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion at Sage was also noted.
ABI GARRIDO
BEN BRINLEY-CODD
BDO
Ben (he/him) was nominated for the contributions he has made that go well beyond is level of experience, recognising the ways in which he has developed and promoted BDO’s PRIDE network. Joining the network as secretary, in addition to his work as a graduate trainee, Ben has managed membership, expanded its reach and been a vocal proponent amongst his peer group, championing and speaking out on LGBTQ+. Issues. Most notably he conceptualised, communicated, organised and delivered PRIDE’s ‘Be Bold, Be Yourself, Be Allies’ video. Furthermore, he has taken an active role in BDO’s graduate recruitment and early in careers recruitment initiatives.
BENJAMIN McCORMICK
Bentley Motors Ltd
Since joining Bentley as an apprentice Ben has been a vocal part of the BeProud colleague network, and now proudly holds the role of co-chair. In addition to ensuring that Bentley has had visibility in the Manchester Pride parade, via a wrapped car, Ben took the initiative to take the car out to various outreach opportunities at Universities, Colleges and Crewe’s very own University Technical College. Ben displays his kindness and caring attitude by taking the time to have coffee with new BeProud members to ensure they feel involved. Under his leadership the BeProud network has used focus groups and a networking initiative to increase student awareness of Bentley’s inclusion initiatives address misconceptions students may have before applying to Bentley’s Early Careers pathways.
EDDIE AL KADI
Sage
Eddie (he/him/they/them) has been nominated the ways in which they use their voice and personal story to help shape a more inclusive environment for colleagues at Sage so they can be their authentic whole selves. As an active member of the Sage’s Pride network, and a lead within their Gender Alliance network, they have created safe spaces to learn about the lived experiences of others, through valuable panel discussions and other content for colleagues to discover and help grow their understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as helping to break down barriers to aid understanding across the gender spectrum.
ELLISHA GAYLE
Sage
Ellisha (she/her) volunteers for many events at Sage sharing her story of joining Sage, and more specifically supporting their Pride network. She has actively supported her LGBTQ+ peers and mentored LGBTQ+ students within the business, providing invaluable guidance and inspiration. Her efforts have had a lasting impact, shaping our Sage's approach to diversity and inclusion for years to come.
KOUSHA POURSOHRAB
Sage
Kousha’s clear passion, active support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion within the workplace was recognised by his manager at Sage. In addition to investing time and energy educating them, he has helped to raise awareness within his business unit, graduate programme and across the UK team by organising events, building alliances, encouraging participation and building confidence in others to advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
MAX ROSE
Sage
Max (they/them) was nominated for the ways in which they draw on their lived experiences and identity, to bring about positive change in the business, from rolling out the option to have preferred pronouns on building access passes, to helping shape the onboarding experience for non-binary colleagues for the better. Max has grown in confidence and been successful in becoming a Pride Network City Lead for our global headquarters in Newcastle. As part of this role they have worked on delivering a wide range of events from Pride Month to Intersex Awareness Day and by hosting a panel discussion TDOV.
SHYAM PATEL
AstraZeneca
Since joining AstraZeneca as an industrial placement student Shyam (he/him) has overcome hesitancy to share his sexuality and shown courage in the way he now openly discusses this. Shyam has demonstrated his resilience and paved the way for others to have open conversations regarding the LGBTQ+ community and their own experiences. He has continually inspired and amazed people through his honestly and vulnerability. This was particularly evident during a PT&D Pride event for bisexuality in which Shyam openly discussed his experience in the community and the process of recently coming out.
XANDER ARLO FIONDA
Sage
When Xander (they/them) joined Sage as an apprentice they were open and proud to say they were non-binary, and has since enriched their team both in their day-to-day role - a top performer who regularly achieves their KPIs especially at round customer centricity and satisfaction - but also in supporting bringing non-binary and LGBTQ+ issues to the front to help Sage as a business understand what they can do to support around these areas. They are a visible and active supporter of new apprentices who have reached out to Xander for advice outside of work for things such as changing their name and how to approach changing pronouns.
ZARA KERMALLY
EY
As a co-lead of the mixed heritage community, Zara (she/her) has been instrumental in creating a space where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel valued, understood, and empowered. Zara's active participation in the bi+ community underscores her dedication to advocating for the rights and visibility of bisexual, pansexual, and queer individuals, which has included starring in EY’s LGBTQ+ inclusive recruitment video ‘Proud To Belong’. Her leadership in Unity's Present and Future Work Stream and dedication to EY Unity’s reverse mentoring scheme was noted, as well as her passion for amplifying neurodiversity and inclusion in the workplace.
