Mastering Diversity Awards Announces 2026 Finalists Celebrating Inclusion Across Wales

Mastering Diversity Awards Announces 2026 Finalists Celebrating Inclusion Across Wales

Mastering Diversity has announced the finalists for its 2026 awards, recognising people, organisations and initiatives advancing diversity, equity and inclusion across Wales.

This year’s awards feature 73 finalist entries across 12 categories, celebrating contributions spanning business, education, health, public services, representation, STEM, sport and community leadership.

The finalists bring together professional expertise, lived experience, grassroots leadership and emerging talent from across North, Mid and South Wales. Their work includes opening routes into learning and employment, improving access to support, challenging discrimination and ensuring underrepresented voices help shape services and public life.

Recognising Contributions Across Wales

The Business Champion shortlist includes Ammar Akhtar of Final Rentals, Antur Cymru, Bluestone Academy, Caroline Smith of Smudged, Cwmpas, Purple Shoots and Simon Pritchard of Philtronics.

Elsewhere, Welsh ICE is shortlisted for Community Champion, while Lesley Williams of Welsh ICE is a finalist in the Gender Equality Champion category.

The STEM Champion shortlist includes M-SParc, Professor Faron Moller of Technocamps and EESW STEM Cymru, alongside other individuals and organisations supporting inclusion in science and technology.

Judges assess nominations against five criteria: demonstrable impact; commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; leadership and influence; innovation or effective practice; and sustainability and legacy.

Champions to Be Recognised at the Senedd

The Mastering Diversity Awards 2026 ceremony takes place at Senedd Cymru, Cardiff Bay, on Thursday 19 November, from 5pm to 7:30pm. Gold, Silver and Bronze Champions will be recognised on the evening.

Shav Taj MS is the Senedd sponsor, with Vodafone Business and Leigh Day as joint headline sponsors.

The awards carry the Mastering Diversity message: “We Go Together or Not at All.”

Congratulations to all this year’s finalists from everyone at FinTech Wales.