Distinguished figures from business, entertainment, education and community leadership come together to celebrate the UK’s most inspirational people, as three new award categories are introduced for 2027.
The Multicultural INSPIRE Awards has officially announced its 2027 judging panel, bringing together 25 distinguished individuals from across business, entertainment, education, entrepreneurship and community leadership to recognise and celebrate some of the UK’s most inspirational people.
The national awards programme returns on Saturday 13 February 2027 at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, bringing together inspirational individuals, influential leaders and changemakers from across the country for an evening of recognition, celebration and entertainment.
The panel comprises 17 new judges alongside eight returning members, reflecting the continued growth of the awards and the commitment of influential individuals to championing inspirational achievement.
Bringing together senior leaders from organisations including Deutsche Bank, Lloyds Bank, Barclays, Vodafone, Capgemini, Stripe, RSM and Arden University, the panel also features celebrated entrepreneurs, musicians, broadcasters, creatives and community changemakers whose contributions span a wide range of industries and communities.
Together, they bring a wealth of experience, diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to recognising individuals and organisations making an extraordinary difference to society.
The 2027 judging panel has been carefully assembled to represent a broad range of professional expertise, lived experiences and perspectives.
Dr Tru Powell, Founder and Chief of Vibes of the Multicultural INSPIRE Awards, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the judging panel we’ve assembled for 2027. I’ve personally worked hard to bring together individuals who not only have impressive professional achievements but who genuinely inspire me through their leadership, values and the difference they’re making in society.
“Having eight judges return alongside 17 exceptional new appointments means a great deal. What makes this panel special is the diversity of experience around the table, from corporate leaders and entrepreneurs to musicians, educators and community champions. They understand the power of recognition and share our commitment to celebrating people making a genuine difference.”
Meet the 2027 judging panel
The full judging panel comprises:
- Clare Ashley, Managing Director & Head of Data Management & Transformation, Deutsche Bank
- David Atkinson, Retired Regional Director, Lloyds Bank
- Dharshni Dharma, People, Culture & Inclusion Strategist
- Professor Dilshad Sheikh, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Arden University
- Frankie James, Founder, Ideas Forum, Ideas Fest & GBEA
- Jamelia, Singer, Songwriter & Presenter
- James Sutton, Actor, Speaker & Writer
- Javeno McLean, Founder, J7 Health Centre
- Kirsty Davies Chinnock, Managing Director, Professional Polishing Services & Founder, Women With Metal
- Luke Vernon, Influencer & Entrepreneur
- Maxwell D, Artist, Performer, Mentor & Broadcaster
- Melissa Berry, Founder, Pow-Her Collective
- Monica Shafaq, Strategic Advisor & Founder, ReeAliyne
- Nyle McIntosh, Founder, Black Things UK
- Paul Faulkner, Vice-Chairman, Midlands, Barclays Bank
- Dr Raphael Sofoluke, Founder & CEO, UK Black Business Show & Black Tech Achievement Awards
- Rebekah Taitt, Chief of Staff to the CEO, Lloyds Bank
- Safiyya Vorajee, Co-Founder, Azaylia Foundation
- Sairah Pinnock, Artist Manager & Co-Founder, The Black Fund
- Shaa Wasmund MBE, Sunday Times Bestselling Author, Entrepreneur, NED & Advisor
- Sheetal Sanghvi, Regional Managing Partner, RSM UK
- Taylor Mirkarimi, Group Diversity & Inclusion Lead, Vodafone and Co-Founder, Sista’s Inc.
- Tokeer Ahmed, Head of Salesforce Transformation, Capgemini
- Tony Wolf, Founder, Floor Street
- Zuleika Philips, Head of International, Stripe
As part of its continued growth, the Multicultural INSPIRE Awards has introduced three new categories for 2027: Outstanding Contribution to Education, Inspirational Culture Builder and Outstanding Contribution to Music.
The introduction of these categories reflects the awards’ commitment to recognising the many different ways individuals and organisations inspire others, create opportunities and make a lasting contribution to society.
Outstanding Contribution to Education recognises exceptional individuals and organisations who are transforming lives through education. From teachers and educational leaders to mentors, innovators and those widening access to learning, the category celebrates people who are breaking down barriers, championing educational equality and empowering future generations to fulfil their potential.
Inspirational Culture Builder celebrates individuals and organisations who are shaping, preserving and championing culture. Whether through celebrating heritage, creating spaces for communities to connect, influencing cultural conversations or building movements that foster belonging, the category recognises those strengthening communities and enriching British society.
Outstanding Contribution to Music recognises individuals making a significant impact on the music industry, from artistic excellence and innovation to nurturing emerging talent, creating opportunities and using music as a force for positive social and cultural change.
Speaking about the introduction of the three categories, Dr Powell added: “Education, culture and music are incredibly powerful forces that shape our society, create opportunities and bring communities together. We introduced these categories because inspiration takes many forms, whether it’s a teacher transforming a young person’s life, someone preserving our cultural heritage or a musician using their platform to inspire others.
“These contributions can have a lasting impact, yet the people behind them don’t always receive the recognition they deserve. We want to change that and celebrate even more of the extraordinary individuals making a difference.”
The 2027 Multicultural INSPIRE Awards is proudly supported by e.on Next as Headline Sponsor.
The judging panel will play a crucial role in reviewing the achievements and contributions of nominees, with winners selected through the awards’ judging process.
The winners will be announced at the prestigious black-tie ceremony on Saturday 13 February 2027 at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham.
For more information about the Multicultural INSPIRE Awards and the 2027 ceremony, visit www.inspire-awards.com.
Want to be there when the 2027 winners are revealed? Buy your tickets here.
