Inside a celebration of five women of colour who deserve your attention
We’re all for Black women and women of colour taking up space. Constantly, in ways big and small, we’re told that we ‘don’t fit in’, or that the achievements we’ve earned are the result of some sort of diversity quota, or just by chance. When hard work goes disregarded, it’s a major disservice – and it’s something that happens far too often.
UO Styling, a personal image and fashion styling service founded by Uche Obasohan, recently collaborated with the City of London Black Police Association on a special photo project to honour five women who have been doing impressive work in their respective fields. From the worlds of mental health to motherhood networks, to increasing diverse representation in the police force, these are five women of influence who are using their positions to make positive impacts in the lives of women, children and young people. They were invited for an exclusive photoshoot at London’s Guildhall in celebration of their work. It’s important that the everyday heroes who walk among us get their time to shine – so here they are…
Tessy Ojo – Chief Executive of the Diana Award
Tessy Ojo is the Chief Executive of the Diana Award – a charity legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world. The Diana Award’s mission is to foster, develop and inspire positive change in the lives of young people. The charity benefits from the support of The Royal Highnesses Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as the UK Prime Minister as a Patron.
Tessy is a member of the BBC’s Appeals Advisory Committee which reports to the BBC’s Executive Board. She is also a member of The Royal Taskforce on Cyberbullying, an Executive member of UKCISS (UK Council For Child Internet Safety), a trustee of Comic Relief and a number of charities including Generation Change, a coalition of charities with a focus on Quality Youth Social Action.
She also sits on the advisory group of the government’s character education taskforce as well as the governing body of a chain of academies in London. For her contribution to the sector, she’s won numerous awards, such as The Salute to Greatness Award in honour of Martin Luther King at Atlanta Georgia 2019, British Airways Top 100 2019 and The Precious Award. Can anyone say ‘phenomenal woman’?
Meg Zeenat Wamithi – CEO of My Mind Matters Too
Inspired by her own difficult experience, Meg Zeenat Wamithi created My Mind Matters Too, a youth-led mental health research and development company to support those suffering with mental health issues. In 2019, My Mind Matters Too successfully held a number of workshops, a roundtable discussion at the House of Commons, seven mental health panel events and more than fifty drop-in sessions for students who need support with managing their own mental health.
The organisation also led King’s College London’s first-ever mental health and wellbeing festival, called Rise. Wamithi’s team members are recognised as the founding members of the student-led wellbeing forum which will ensure that young people’s voices will always matter at King’s regarding their mental health. A true role model!
Janet Hills – Chairperson of the Metropolitan Black Police Association
As well as her role as the Chairperson of the Metropolitan Black Police Association (MetBPA), Janet Hills has been a serving Police Officer since 1991. She has held a number of posts on the MetBPA Executive, including First Contact Support Coordinator and General Secretary before becoming the first female Chairperson of the Association in 2013.
As the strategic lead for the MetBPA, it is her ambition that the Association remains relevant in the 21st Century and for it to constantly strive to deliver the best possible service to its members and community. Over the last 25 years, the MetBPA has contributed to various inquiries, including the Macpherson, Morris and Race & Faith Inquiries. It is paramount that race equality remains high on the agenda and that the Association positions itself so as to influence, challenge and help mould the decisions of the MPS, Mayor’s Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC) & College of Policing to reflect a more representative police service for the diverse communities of London.
Dr Radha Modgil – NHS GP and broadcaster
For many medical professionals, encouraging people to stay healthy might feel like giving a lecture that people don’t want to hear. However, Dr Radha Modgil educates in a creative and fun way. She has a passion for connecting with & hearing people’s stories, and understanding how we can all learn from each other. Dr Modgil is the medical expert for BBC Radio 1’s daytime show, Life Hacks and the co-presenter of their weekly Life Hacks Podcast. She was the presenter of the CBeebies show Feeling Better, highlighting the importance of talking about emotions for young children.
Dr Modgil has a particular interest in young people’s health & supporting parents, and has worked on campaigns with BBC Children in Need, Public Health England, MIND, British Heart Foundation, JDRF, The Mix And the NHS Youth Forum. It’s never too early to take care of your health, after all!
Fiona Small – Founder and CEO of the Young Mums Support Network
Fiona Small launched the Young Mums Support Network CIC in 2011, and has since reached incredible heights and impacted countless lives along the way. For Small, one of her most significant achievements was attending a top level forum at 10 Downing Street to raise awareness of the effects that modern society has on young mothers. She also collaborates with a diverse range of agencies from FareShare (food bank) to FTSE 100 corporations including Tesco.
Fiona Small has been recognised with numerous awards, including the 2017 UK Community Award for Honouring Inspirational Mothers and the 2018 Mother of Magnificence Award from icare. She has also been nominated at NatWest’s WISE100 (Women in Social Enterprise) awards. She has recently launched The Female Founders Club for founders of social enterprise. Through YMSN, she has developed initiatives such as Girly Time – monthly events for women to come together and share experiences, network, get pampered and recharge with the additional option to access online courses and memberships. Incredible stuff!
Fashion Stylist & Creative director: @uo_styling
Videographer: @duveramedia
Photographer: @josimarsenior
Makeup Artists: @ots_beauty ; @elevnbeauty
Hair Stylist: @charishair ; @aitaglamshair
Dresses: @goddivafashion ; @angeleyefashion
Earrings: @accents_uk
Events Coordinator: @specialtevent
More information about the 5 women can be found in the women of influence website womenofinfluence.uk and @womenofinfluenceuk
