Proudly Headlined by Leigh Day – Lawyers Against Injustice
Recognising Wales’s boldest champions of inclusion, innovation, and community impact.
The Mastering Diversity Awards 2025, headlined by Leigh Day – Lawyers Against Injustice, have unveiled their extraordinary shortlist of finalists — individuals and organisations reshaping the landscape of inclusion, leadership, and equality across Wales and beyond.
As headline sponsor, Leigh Day partners with the most prestigious honour of the night, the Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating those whose legacy has forever transformed Wales’s equality and justice landscape.
Hosted by Mastering Diversity CIC, the Awards celebrate those who don’t just talk about diversity — they live it, lead it, and lift others through it.
The Ceremony
The Mastering Diversity Awards Gala 2025 will take place on
📅 Monday 18th November, 5PM
📍 The Welsh Senedd, Cardiff Bay
🎩 Black Tie Event
Kindly sponsored by The Honourable Vaughan Gething MS, this red-carpet evening will be hosted by Sports Journalist Molly Stephens, featuring Keynote Speaker Philip Lof, Welsh Diplomat based in Brussels.
The evening will also premiere the full-length “Mastering Diversity” documentary by filmmaker Georgios Dimitropoulos, capturing the spirit, stories, and societal impact of diversity champions across Wales.
You can Book Your Space to attend the Awards here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1620620552699?aff=oddtdtcreator
The Vision
Bernie Davies, the visionary behind the Awards, said:
“These finalists are the living proof that diversity is not a tick-box — it’s Wales’s superpower. Every name on this list represents courage, innovation, and the unwavering belief that inclusion builds stronger communities and better futures.”
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Sponsored by Headline Partner – Leigh Day, Lawyers Against Injustice
Honouring those whose legacy has changed the fabric of equality and inclusion in Wales.
Finalists include Mutale Merrill OBE (BAWSO / Welsh Government Board), Professor Sue Wong CBE (Cardiff University), Professor Anita Thapar (Cardiff University), Rae Cornish (Welsh Government), and Sharon James-Evans (Cardiff and Vale College).
“To recognise those who have given a lifetime to advancing justice, equality and representation is an honour we at Leigh Day deeply value,” said Julia Reynolds, Clinical Negligence Partner for Leigh Day. “This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting diverse leadership and standing up for fairness in every sphere of society.”
CATEGORY HIGHLIGHTS
Community Champion
Grassroots heroes transforming lives through connection and care.
Finalists include Beth Baldwin (Fabulous Facilitator), Colosseum Gym Cardiff, and Women Academy Wales (Emma Hopkins, Andrea Byrne & Beth Baldwin). See full list
Partner: TrialMed
Business Champion
Enterprises proving inclusive business is smart business.
Finalists include Ammar Akhtar (Finalrentals), Caroline Smith (Smudged), Deb Barrow (BarrowHR), Julie Grabham (JG HR Solutions Ltd), and others. See full list
Partners: Hugh James & NatWest
Education Champion
Educators shaping minds through equity and inspiration.
Finalists include Fabiola Doano (Apoyo Courses Ltd), John Meredith (Diocese of Swansea & Brecon), Paula Timms (Kidscape / Children in Wales), and Shelley Davies (Pencoed Comprehensive School). See full list
Partner: FinTech Wales
Representation Champion
Voices amplifying visibility and belonging.
Finalists include Anna Cooper (Menstrual Health Project), Anna-Louise Bates (Believe Organ Donor Support), Naheed Ashraf (Active Lives), and Nicola Noël (Brainworks Therapy). See full listList
Partner: Browne Jacobson
Health Champion
Leaders healing through advocacy and heart.
Finalists include Athika Ahmed (Cardiff & Vale UHB), Barbara Chidgey (Daring to Dream), Emma Jay Hopkins (Wellfinite / LifeShaper), Faith Walker (Friends of Cymru Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia CIC), and Sinnead Ali (Womb CIC). See full list
Partner: Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust
STEM Champion
Visionaries making science and technology more inclusive.
Finalists include Dr Emma Yhnell, Professor Haley Gomez MBE, Professor Sue Wong CBE, Professor Tom Crick MBE, and Wendy Sadler. See full list
Partner: Ogi
Public Sector Champion
Civil leaders driving equality in public service.
Finalists include Gez Martin (Welsh Government), Rae Cornish (Welsh Government), Dave Crews (South Wales Fire & Rescue), Shirley Newbury (Neath Port Talbot Council), and Mutale Merrill OBE (BAWSO / Welsh Government Advisory Roles). See full list
Partner: Tramshed Tech
Cognitive & Neurodiversity Champion
Re-imagining workplaces to celebrate every kind of mind.
Finalists include Caroline Smith (Smudged), Dan Cook (Welsh Rugby Union), Dr Kai Thomas (Cardiff University), Helen Rees (Neuroble), and others. See full list
Partner: Voce Consultting Limited
Gender Equality Champion
Leaders breaking ceilings and rebalancing representation.
Finalists include Beth Baldwin (Women’s Academy Wales), Dr Joanna Martin (Cardiff University), Emily Griffiths (ForTheWomenUK), and Holly Hostettler-Davies (University of Law). See full list
Partner: Legal News
Sports Champion
Athletes and organisations transforming sport into a space for all.
Finalists include Osamagbe Cymru Unleashed (OTID Entertainment), Disability Sport Wales (Fiona Reid, CEO), Cymru Women’s Sport, Siân Lewis (Urdd Gobaith Cymru), and Karen Hopkins (Wheelchair Rugby). See full list
Partner: Team Cymru / Wales
🎇 A CELEBRATION BEYOND AWARDS
“The Mastering Diversity Awards do not just celebrate achievement — they celebrate the why behind it. Every finalist here reminds us that diversity is the engine of progress,” says Bernie Davies.
The winners will be revealed on 18 November 2025 at the Welsh Senedd, in a night of empowerment, artistry, and recognition that will illuminate the power of inclusive leadership in Wales and beyond.