Mary Adekoya, Founder of Papachichi Style
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Mary Adekoya is a celebrity hairstylist, educator, and founder of Papachichi Style, a luxury hair brand known for its flawless lace wigs and global bridal styling. Her work has featured in campaigns for Vogue, ITV, BBC, and Nicki Minaj, and she has trained hundreds through her sold-out wig-making courses.
Mary is passionate about raising the profile of UK hairdressers and has built a business that blends artistry, education, and high standards. Her journey reflects originality and drive, and she continues to shape the beauty industry through mentorship and international reach.
Colleen Amos OBE, Co-founder and CEO of The Amos Bursary
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Colleen Amos OBE is the Co-founder and CEO of The Amos Bursary, a pioneering organisation providing opportunities for underestimated, talented young people to excel. With more than 30 years of experience in education, media, communications and leadership development, she has empowered over 1,000 students to break cultural and societal ceilings.
Colleen’s work embodies the power of vision, compassion and dedication in shaping more diverse and equitable education and business landscapes across the UK.
Dr Leanne Armitage, Co-founder of The Armitage Foundation
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Dr Leanne Armitage is a medical doctor and co-founder of The Armitage Foundation, a charity working to increase diversity in medicine. Her journey from underrepresented student to qualified doctor has inspired thousands, and she has received national recognition for her outreach and advocacy.
Leanne regularly speaks at schools, universities, and healthcare institutions, encouraging young people to pursue careers in medicine. Her work is shaped by resilience, empathy, and a commitment to equity in healthcare. She continues to influence how the NHS and education sectors address access and representation.
Tunde Banjoko OBE, Founder of charity Making the Leap and UK Social Mobility Awards
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Tunde Banjoko OBE is a social justice advocate and founder of Making the Leap, a charity dedicated to improving social mobility for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. He also established the UK Social Mobility Awards, the first national awards of their kind. For nearly three decades, Tunde has worked with schools, employers, and policymakers to create fairer access to education and employment.
He was awarded an OBE for his services to social mobility and continues to influence how organisations address inequality. His work is defined by persistence, vision, and a belief in the value of inclusive opportunity, and was described by The Times as “one of the UK’s foremost campaigners”.
Laura Durrant, CEO of the Black Talent Charter
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Laura Durrant is a lawyer, strategist, and CEO of the Black Talent Charter, a cross-sector initiative focused on improving equity of opportunity for Black professionals in UK business.
With a background in litigation and regulatory investigations, Laura has held senior roles in global law firms and financial institutions. She is also a founding partner of Equitura, a consultancy focused on workplace culture, and chairs Associo, a tech company supporting advisory services. Laura’s work centres on structural reform and accountability, and she is helping redefine how organisations approach race equity and representation.
Kanya King CBE, Founder of the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards
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Kanya King CBE is a pioneering entrepreneur and cultural visionary, best known as the founder of the MOBO Awards - one of the world’s most influential movements celebrating music of Black origin. Since launching MOBO in 1996, she has built a globally recognised brand that champions diversity across music, media, and the arts.
Her accolades include a CBE for services to music and culture, and she is consistently named among the UK’s most influential leaders. King’s career reflects courage, vision, and persistence, with an unwavering commitment to opening doors for underrepresented talent. Through MOBO, she continues to break barriers, challenge industry norms, and inspire future generations.
Piers Linney, Tech entrepreneur and investor
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Piers Linney is a tech entrepreneur, investor, and former Dragons’ Den investor with a background in law and finance in the City. He is a co-founder of the award-winning provider of digital workers, Implement AI, and is a recognised advocate for small business growth and digital innovation.
He serves on advisory boards and regularly speaks on entrepreneurship, inclusion, and the future of work. He was Diversity Champion of the Year at the European Diversity Awards 2024 and has been featured in the Powerlist and other national platforms.
His career reflects a commitment to progress and a belief in the importance of diversity, and in the transformative power of technology and enterprise.
Harry Matovu KC, Founder and Chair of the Black Talent Charter
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Harry Matovu KC is a leading barrister and arbitrator in international commercial law. He made history as the first Black barrister at the Commercial Bar and he is the founder of the Black Talent Charter, a cross-sector initiative promoting equity in UK business and the professions. Harry has advised governments and multinationals, chaired legal panels, and mentored aspiring lawyers across the
country.
He has been featured in the Powerlist and he is widely respected for his legal expertise and principled leadership. His work continues to influence how institutions address representation and fairness, and his career reflects a commitment to justice and systemic reform.
Pauline Miller, Chief Equity Officer, dentsu EMEA
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Pauline Miller is a business psychologist and equity leader who brings insight, empathy, and strategy to the heart of organisational change. As Chief Equity Officer at Dentsu International, she leads efforts to embed inclusion across culture, client work, and social impact.
Pauline’s work is shaped by her research into gender equity and her commitment to challenging barriers in the workplace. She is also a trustee and advisor to women’s rights organisations. Known for connecting data with lived experience, Pauline continues to influence how businesses build environments where everyone can belong and lead.
Bianca Miller-Cole, Founder of The Be Group and Self Made Speaking Academy
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Bianca Miller-Cole is an award-winning entrepreneur, Sunday Times bestselling author and personal branding expert who first gained national recognition as a finalist on The Apprentice. She is the founder of The Be Group, a consultancy focused on career and personal development, and the Self Made Speaking Academy, where she coaches leaders and aspiring speakers to craft powerful stories and build professional speaking careers.
Bianca has co-authored multiple bestselling books, including Self Made and Rich Forever and her latest, Manifested Action. Recognised in Forbes 30 Under 30 for her contribution to retail and e-commerce, she has also been celebrated with awards for entrepreneurship and business mentoring. A sought-after speaker for global corporations and institutions, Bianca is passionate about empowering individuals to own their personal brand, amplify their voice and create lasting impact.
Jane Oremosu, Author and Co-founder and Co-CEO of I-Cubed
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Jane Oremosu is an experienced business consultant, leadership coach, deliberate change agent and co-founder of I-Cubed Group, a consultancy focused on cultural change and inclusive leadership.
She is also co-author of My Little Black Book: A Blacktionary: The Pocket Guide to the Language of Race (Penguin 2023). With over two decades in corporate roles, Jane has worked across industries to support senior leaders in navigating transformation with clarity and confidence. Her approach blends business insight with a deep understanding of identity and belonging.
Jane is known for creating space for honest reflection and meaningful progress, and her work has shaped how organisations think about equity and inclusion. She continues to contribute to public conversations around leadership, representation, and the future of work.
Duro Oye, CEO and Founder of 2020 Change
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Duro is the founder and CEO of 20/20 Levels, a charity focused on improving social mobility for young people from underrepresented backgrounds. Through initiatives like “I AM CHANGE,” Duro has supported thousands in building confidence and accessing meaningful opportunities.
He also serves on advisory boards and is a vocal advocate for youth development and innovation. Duro’s work blends creativity with community engagement, and he continues to challenge barriers to progress. His career reflects a belief in the potential of young people and a dedication to creating spaces where ambition can be realised.
Dr Maggie Semple OBE, Author, Co-founder and Co-CEO of I-Cubed, and Founder of Semple
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Dr Maggie Semple OBE is a thought-leader in leadership development, cultural change, and business transformation, with extensive experience in mergers, acquisitions, and regulated industries.
A former academic, she began advising governments in the 1990s and has represented the UK internationally in Greece and Hong Kong. Maggie has held significant roles, including Executive Director of the Millennium Dome, Civil Service Commissioner, and member of the King’s Counsel Selection Panel.
She is a Non-Executive Director on FTSE boards, including Phoenix Group and Crest Nicholson, and serves on the University of Cambridge Human Resources Committee. Maggie is also an ambassador for the Black British Voices Project. She runs three businesses, co-founded I-Cubed Group, and co-authored My Little Black Book: A Blacktionary (Penguin, 2023). Cited in International Who’s Who, Maggie’s work bridges creativity and governance, influencing how identity, representation, and leadership are understood across British society.
Kaye Sotomi, Co-founder and CEO of Chop Chop London
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Kaye Sotomi is the co-founder and CEO of Chop Chop London, a salon brand redefining haircare through inclusivity and sustainability.
With a background in business development, Kaye launched Chop Chop to challenge industry norms and make high-quality services accessible to all hair types. His salons promote eco-conscious practices and celebrate diverse beauty standards. Kaye’s work is innovative and community-driven, and he continues to influence how the beauty sector embraces representation.
His career reflects a modern approach to entrepreneurship, combining social impact with commercial success.
