Individual

Ally of the Year Award

The Ally of the Year Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity, equality, and diversity to champion the rights and well-being of others.

Nominees

Jem Stein
Founder of Daring Capital
John Mayford
CEO of Olmec
Lee Chambers
Founding Director at Male Allies UK
Nana Agyemang
Proposition Delivery Manager at Barclays Eagle Labs
Sarah Melbourne
Co-founder of Citizen Developer HQ
Jem Stein

Jem Stein

I founded Daring Capital, an impact investment syndicate focused on supporting overlooked founders who are building businesses that positively impact disadvantaged communities facing discrimination and poverty. Since launching in September last year, we have raised £1 million for 10 founders despite the current challenges in securing investment.
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John Mayford

John Mayford

For over 15 years, as CEO of Olmec, a black-led social enterprise focused on race equality, I have championed economic and social justice for Black, racialized, and minoritized communities. Olmec supports individuals into jobs, businesses, and leadership positions, and empowers communities through arts and anti-racist training. My activism began in the 1970s, shaped by personal experiences with racism in school and involvement in movements like Rock Against Racism and the Anti-Apartheid Movement. These experiences led to a career dedicated to social justice across roles in trades unions, co-operatives, and the third sector.
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Lee Chambers

Lee Chambers

Lee is the chief psychologist and founder of Essentialise and Male Allies UK. After a diverse career, from corporate finance to building a tech company, he is now focused on supporting organisations to engage men in inclusion, accelerate gender equity and promote effective allyship. He has been featured on the Startups 100 Index, has received a Great British Entrepreneur Award, and sits on the boards of CMI Women, Regenerage, and the Manchester Metropolitan University Business School.
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Nana Agyemang

Nana Agyemang

I spearheaded "experience events" at Barclays, transforming unused branch spaces into event hubs for underrepresented founders. Over 200 events were hosted, connecting Black, Asian, Latino, and other diverse founders across different genders, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds. These events led to numerous founders securing sponsorships and partnerships with major brands like Boxpark, Spotify, and Tide.
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Sarah Melbourne

Sarah Melbourne

At Citizen Developer HQ, I’ve spearheaded efforts to make technology education more accessible through low-code solutions. As a Community Interest Company (CIC), we focus on supporting individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, emphasizing inclusivity in everything we do.
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Other awards

Changemaker of the Year
Social Impact Leader
Consumer Brand of the Year
Good Investor of the Year
Businesswoman of the Year
Rising Star of the Year
Ally of the Year
Catalyst for Change
Platinum Sponsor
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