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ThinkEDI’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards Wales 2024 Celebrates Achievements in Inclusion

20 December, 2024

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ThinkEDI’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards Wales 2024 Celebrates Achievements in Inclusion

The Diversity and Inclusion Awards Wales 2024, hosted by ThinkEDI and headline-sponsored by Ogi, took place on Tuesday, December 19, bringing together individuals, organizations, and communities to celebrate outstanding achievements in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across Wales.The event highlighted the meaningful work being done to create a more inclusive society, with attendees calling it an inspiring and impactful celebration. Katie Nash, an Occupational Therapist, described it as “the best event of the year,” while Caroline Smith of Smudged said, “It was a celebration of meaningful, tangible work—work that ensures everyone feels seen, valued, and included.”

Key Highlights from the Event

Inclusive by Design

ThinkEDI ensured the event itself was inclusive for all. Features included:

  • BSL interpreters and video captions
  • A sensory room and prayer time breaks
  • Rainbow ribbon wands to reduce clapping noise
  • A fully Halal and Kosher menu

Jessica Bowen, Business Support Manager at ThinkEDI, emphasized, “We’d like more events in 2025 to adopt this inclusive by design approach and remove barriers to ensure everyone is included.”

Award Winners

16 awards were presented, recognizing contributions across various sectors. Winners included:

  • Inclusive Service Award: Motion Control Dance
  • Inclusive Health Professional Award: Anne Taplin, Occupational Therapist, Cardiff and Vale Health Board
  • Inclusive Digital Professional Award: Gemma Helyer, BOX UK
  • Inclusive Employer Award (Joint Winners): Welsh Connection and Metal Seagulls
  • Inclusive Start-Up Award: Baldilocks
  • Inclusive Education Professional Award: Louise Robinson, Specialist Teacher, Pencoedtre ASD Base
  • Inclusive Social Enterprise Award: Fflamingo
  • Inclusive HR Professional Award: Judith Germain, Maverick Paradox
  • Inclusive Creative Professional Award: Emily Nicole Roberts, Cerebral Palsy Influencer
  • Inclusive Director Award (Joint Winners): Lesley Williams and Innis Robinson
  • Inclusive Charity Award: Active Angels
  • Inclusive Product Award: Umbrella Faith
  • Inclusive Front-line Professional Award: Tristan Harris, Social Care Officer, Vale of Glamorgan
  • Inclusive Accommodation Award: River Flow Yoga, Queer Nature Retreat
  • Inclusive Community Group Award: African Community Center
  • Inclusive Culture Award: Cynefin Pamoja
  • Inclusive Professional Community Award: Tramshed Tech
  • Diversity and Inclusion Influencer Award: Molly Fenton, Health Influencer

The ThinkEDI App Launch

A key moment of the event was the launch of the ThinkEDI app, which provides users with tools to explore adjustments that reduce barriers in employment, services, and education. The app was developed in collaboration with partners, including Fintech Wales, and was officially launched when CEO Sophie Mason and partners pressed a big red button on stage.

Sophie Mason’s Vision for Inclusion

ThinkEDI’s CEO, Sophie Mason, moved the audience with her poem I Still Have Pride, reflecting on her experiences as a disabled and neurodivergent person. She shared her vision for creating a more inclusive world, underscored by the ThinkEDI app, which aims to break barriers and foster accessibility in all aspects of life.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Diversity and Inclusion Awards Wales promises to build on the success of this year’s event. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, event highlights, or ThinkEDI’s initiatives, visit www.thinkedi.co.uk or contact [email protected].