Finalists announced for awards celebrating UK Black excellence

SEVERAL BLACK professionals will be honoured at a special awards show celebrating UK Black excellence.

The Evenfields Black Talent Awards (BTA) has announced the shortlist of finalists for its upcoming 2025 awards ceremony.

The awards will shine a spotlight on outstanding Black professionals across the UK.

There are a total of 16 award categories – spanning industries from finance and STEM to education, media, and entrepreneurship.

Also, the awards will honour Black talent and Black excellence at all levels, from rising stars to senior leaders.

Denise Myers, founder of the Black Talent Awards and CEO of Evenfields, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to reveal this year’s shortlist of Black Talent Awards finalists.

“Each name on this list embodies the very essence of ‘Impact’ – these individuals are not only excelling in their own careers, but are also driving positive change in their industries and communities.

“When I created the BTAs, it was with the vision of shining a light on extraordinary Black professionals who too often go unseen. Now, seeing such a diverse range of talent being recognised – from young innovators to transformational leaders – is incredibly rewarding. By celebrating their achievements and sharing their stories, we hope to inspire the next generation and show that Black talent not only belongs in every sector, but leads. I couldn’t be prouder of this year’s finalists, and I look forward to honouring each of them on awards night.”

This year’s theme of “Impact” aims to continue celebrating those driving real change in their fields and communities.

Dedicated to Black professionals

As the nation’s only UK-wide awards platform exclusively dedicated to Black professionals, the Black Talent Awards prides itself on being purpose-driven and community-rooted.

Key features that make the BTAs unique include:

• Celebrating Excellence Across Sectors: The UK’s only national awards based in Birmingham exclusively for Black talent, spotlighting achievers in every field – from rising stars to industry leaders.
• Purpose-Led Mission: Founded by Denise Myers – a nationally respected voice in inclusive recruitment and social mobility – the BTAs are rooted in long-term visibility, legacy building, and systemic change. This platform doesn’t just hand out trophies; it opens doors to real opportunities all year round.
• Relatable Role Models: The awards champion real people with real stories. By showcasing relatable role models, the BTAs provide inspiration and tangible career pathways for the next generation of Black professionals.
• Backed by Committed Partners: Major organisations that “walk the talk” on diversity power the BTAs. Supporters and sponsors include Merlin Entertainments, Lloyds Banking Group, Birmingham City University, EDF, Barclays, Jaguar Land Rover, and JCDecaux, among others – all brands actively investing in the advancement of Black talent.

Notably, previous BTA winners have leveraged their accolades into new leadership roles, media features, and business opportunities.

Organisers say, this is real-world proof of how visibility at the BTAs can open doors beyond the night itself.

Impact matters

The 2025 theme “Impact” sets the tone – celebrating professionals who are creating real, measurable change.

In line with this focus, two new award categories have been introduced.

They are Excellence in Education, to spotlight changemakers building legacy through learning.

Also, People & Culture, to honour those aligning workplace policies and practices to truly empower Black professionals.

The ceremony will also debut a special “Where Are They Now?” segment.

This will highlight past winners and the continued impact of their BTA recognition on their careers and communities.

Over 300 nominations were submitted this year, with 238 completed entries from across the country.

An independent panel of 31 judges from across the UK to evaluate entries and select the shortlist.

Significantly, the process also included an additional 10 youth judges embedded in the judging teams.

The mentorship initiative, gave young aspiring professionals a voice in the process.

Additionally, they gained invaluable experience working alongside industry experts and relationships that could last a lifetime.

Finalist interviews will continue throughout July to ensure each winner is chosen with care.

Finalists

Charity & Change Employee of the Year: Alethea Balbuena-Pitt; Bob Clarke; Chloe Lewis; Daniel Sukula

Entrepreneur of the Year: Daniella Blechner; Fabio Embalo; Kameese Davis; Paulette Watson

Facilities & Supply Chain Employee of the Year: Kelo Uchendu; Melanie Grizzle; Patricia Mensah; Ramona Williams

Financial Services Employee of the Year: Cherryl Cooper; Jeffrey Krampah Williams; Khalia Ismain; Shauna Roper

Marketing, Media & Creative Employee of the Year: Benjah Pozi-Quansah; Eva Masawi; Jayd Williams; Lydia Amoah

People & Culture Employee of the Year: Deborah Barnett; Kameka McLean; Mandisa Gordon; Natalie Simmonds-Alleyne.

Professional Services Employee of the Year: Dr. Tunde Okewale OBE; Isaac Eloi; Natalie Rose; Tafadzwa Chaduka

Public Sector & Services Employee of the Year: Adeshola Akanji; Dr. George Obolo; Jahnine Davis; Shaun Pascal

Retail & Leisure Employee of the Year: Carol Muriithi; Jasmine Okonkwo; Morgan Brown; Ramona Williams; Zoe Broadway

Rising Star of the Year: Aaron Michael Dorsett; Ibukun Oluleye; Morgan Brown; Tarisiro Fundira

Senior Leader of the Year: Akin Ogboye; Bridget Tatham; Kizzy Augustin; Shauna Roper

STEM Employee of the Year: Choolwe Mandona; Donna Otchere; Ignatius Kaku; Mandisa Gordon

ERG of the Year: Black Professionals Network and Friends (BPNet); Coventry Building Society; Elevate Network – the Financial Conduct Authority’s Multi-ethnic Women’s Network; NatWest Group Multicultural Network

Excellence in Education: Professor Bertha Ochieng (De Montfort University); Gurdeep Chima (Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship); Dr. Myrtle Emmanuel (University of Greenwich); Olu Orguboh (Synergy Solutions)

Small Business of the Year: Butterfly Books; Caribbean & African Health Network (in partnership with University of Greater Manchester); Black Rise; Legacy Centre of Excellence

Social Impact Organisation of the Year: Barclays Eagle Labs; Be The Change Youth Project CIC; The Black Collective of Media in Sport; Black Equity Organisation

The winners of each category will be announced at the Black Talent Awards – which is a gala black-tie event – on 26^th September at the ICC Birmingham.

For more information on the Black Talent Awards, visit blacktalentawards.co.uk