2023 Diversity Power List names Lenny Rush, Emma Watson and Rose Ayling-Ellis alongside community champions
2023 Diversity Power List honours 50 of the most inclusive and inspirational people in the UK.
Champions of diversity and inclusion across the UK have been named in the 2023 Diversity Power List. An honours-style list, it highlights and recognises individuals who are working tirelessly to make a tremendous difference to other people’s lives.
Now in its second year, the 2023 Diversity Power List shines a light on people working hard in their local communities and networks to change opinions, attitudes, and behaviours. It features a few high-profile names – including 14-year-old actor and TV personality Lenny Rush, actor and women’s rights advocate Emma Watson and deaf actor/dancer Rose Ayling-Ellis – for taking a stand, sharing experiences, and setting a great example. More importantly, the Diversity Power List highlights the work of extraordinary individuals, many of whom fly under the radar championing diversity, driving inclusion and bringing enduring change.
“Big changes start with small steps, typically taken in a social or work community,” says Paul Sesay, CEO and founder of Inclusive Companies which compiles the Diversity Power List. “It often starts with a lone voice from a brave individual whose commitment, passion and dedication cascade and grow as they bring others with them. The Diversity Power List seeks to applaud these individuals and amplify their work to ensure lasting success.”
The background of those on this year’s list is truly diverse: from digital marketers to community organisers, senior police officers to leaders of charities, athletes to journalists, CEOs of major businesses to human rights activists and leaders in education.
This year’s Diversity Power List was revealed at the 2023 Inclusive Awards on December 5. “Our aim in publishing the Diversity Power List is to bring together the most ‘diversity conscious’ people in the UK,” continues Paul. “They deserve to be recognised for championing diversity for one or more of the protected characteristics of people who comprise society in the UK. Dedicated to what they are doing and innovative in how they are doing it, they are an inspiration to us all.”
Tate Smith
Tate Smith is an award-winning trans activist and Founder of Tate Smith Consulting, who speaks from the heart about his lived experience as a transgender man and advises businesses on implementing trans+ inclusion policies.
Passionate about improving trans male visibility, Tate’s ‘Lunch and Learns’ have become a necessary educational tool for multiple corporations. Tate speaks with both warmth and directness debunking common myths surrounding trans people and discussing ‘taboo’ topics such as the effects of testosterone, toxic masculinity, men’s mental health, trans menopause and male privilege.
Whether it’s appearing in the Science Museum, working with global names like Barclays or volunteering his time with trans youth groups, Tate’s work embodies the very essence of positive change, creating a ripple effect that resonates far beyond his immediate community and inspiring others to join the movement for a more equitable world for trans people.
