HIGHLY COMMENDED
OUR 2024 RUNNERS-UP
The 2024 judging panel share the reasons why these finalists were awarded ‘highly commended’ for their hard work
BEN McCORMICK
Bentley Motors Ltd
QUEER OF THE YEAR
Their quick rise to Co-Chair, is a testament to them continually exceeding individual expectations. His dedication to outreach, raising awareness of Bentley's inclusivity among university students, and challenging industry misconceptions demonstrates his lasting impact across the organisation. Ben (he/him/they/them) is creating a phenomenal lasting impact across Bentley, without Ben and his work within the network colleagues would not feel as supported and listened to as they do and there would be a huge gap in terms of the uplifting of LGBTQ+ colleagues in particular.
listed alphabetically by category
AVANI ELA
Imperial College London
ACTIVIST OF THE YEAR
Avani (she/her) has as stated shown dedicated activism for their university's LGBTQ+ young people. They have advocated for change, redefined transphobia in policies and statements, inspiring hope for their trans members.
FINLAY McGHEE
AstraZeneca
ALLY OF THE YEAR
Finlay (he/him) is making a positive impact as an ally through his own individual actions on a day to day basis, like being considerate with pronouns and making sure they are creating a sense of belonging. He is also using his allyship to influence organisational change, including practical resources like the revised ally pack.
STUDENTS’ UNION TRANS COMMUNITY
University of Essex
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR
The work that Students’ Union Trans Community are doing is vital to the positivity and empowerment of the Trans community. This group sets out to challenge behaviours, and provide awareness in Trans issues and even provide a voice to gender critical groups to stamp out misinformation of the Trans community.
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR
Community is at the heart of what they do, and it clearly shows in the range of initiatives they have created for the good of the community.
WARWICK PLAN
Warwick University
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ LGBTQIA+ EXPERIENCE RESEARCH
London School of Economics
COMMUNITY INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR
The study's findings highlighted specific challenges faced by this group. The research team advocated for change at the university level, leading to positive initial results and ongoing efforts to support LGBTQ+ students.
SAGE
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
Sage has implemented LGBTQ+ inclusive strategies throughout their recruitment process, ensuring diversity and inclusion from attraction to onboarding. They prioritise inclusive representation, particularly in assessment centres, and communicate their values of diversity, inclusion, and equality to all candidates.
ANT BABAJEE
Middlesex University London
IMPACT OF THE YEAR
Organising a new Pride event and working to bring the Identity Project to Barnet in particular, are helping to provide safe places, visibility and opportunities for LGBTQ+ people to meet up that didn't exist like this before. Ant’s (he/him) personal visibility helps to empower other LGBTQ+ people, spread understanding and effect permanent change too.
JASMINA SILMEMAJ
AstraZeneca
RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
Jasmina’s (she/her) dedication and commitment spark important discussions and improvements within the organisation, providing lasting impact by fostering acceptance and support for future LGBTQ+ community members at AstraZeneca and beyond.
ZARA KERMALLY
EY
RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
Zara’s (she/her) unwavering championing of diversity and inclusion at EY extends beyond LGBTQ+ communities, which is truly inspiring.
ZANDER GODDEN
Northumbria Students’ Union
ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR: EDUCATION
Zander (they/them) has shown to be a strong role model through their work in mentoring students with evidence of positive impacts on their lives, as well as colleagues running pride sessions to ensure they are delivered accurately and sensitively.
LEAH WHITE
AstraZeneca
ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR: EMPLOYER
Leah's (she/her) efforts to advocate for designated resources within the PT&D Pride group and her involvement in key events focused on topics like asexuality and aromanticity illustrate her impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
ALFIE DAVIS
University of Oxford
ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR: STUDENT - UNIVERSITY
How Alfie (they/them) handled the transphobic debate last year and leading a huge protest for trans rights in Oxford is massive and such a big thing to take on; and by putting themselves out there like that.
MARIAH ATSEV
University of Essex
ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR: STUDENT - UNIVERSITY
Mariah (she/they) has worked hard to ensure the support and inclusive of trans people in all discussions, using their own privilege to amplify the voices of others and ensure everyone is included in conversations and support is universal for everyone and the work they do is inclusive to everyone.
NORTHGATE HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM
SCHOOL/COLLEGE OF THE YEAR
Northgate High School have not been afraid to stand their ground against hate - even at MP level, and their impact extends beyond their school and into the community.
MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY LONDON
UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR
It was evident they had strategies in place, including the integration of inclusion and wellbeing into HR too. There is demonstrable evidence that their approach involved both staff and students working collaboratively to drive change and share information.
LEWIS WARNER
King’s College London
UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR
His focus on the need for intersectionality is commendable, during a time where even well-established activists often overlook the need to platform the most marginalised within the marginalised.
RILEY ILES
University of Essex
UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR
Riley (they/he) works so hard behind the scenes, but never seeks recognition for their hard work. They were a pivotal advisor for the officers and society this year giving them guidance on how to handle issues, spending multiple hours with them understanding the complexities of situations, and being a shoulder to cry on when times have got tough.
