The votes are in - here are your BAME Digital Leaders

The background

Currently, the charity sector could be a bit more diverse. Census figures show that 14% of the population is non-white and fewer than 9% of staff across the charity sector are from BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) backgrounds.

Many BAME individuals are working hard to transform charities behind the scenes. Last year, the #CharitySoWhite hashtag blew up on Twitter in response to the Citizens Advice Bureau’s training material titled “Barriers we find in BAME communities”, a document full of stereotypes. We reported on the instances of racism faced by BAME people in the sector.

This hashtag brought increased prominence to an issue that affects the entire charity sector. By hosting this campaign we hoped to highlight the exceptional digital leadership of BAME individuals within the sector, and promote the importance and value of a more inclusive charity community. We’ve also continued the discussion in more detail throughout a series of podcasts.

Changing the status quo

We were delighted by the enormous and enthusiastic support for each candidate. We received thousands of votes and saw a great response on social media.

It has been a great privilege to highlight the fine work and outstanding achievement of all the BAME Digital Leader nominees. It is heartening to see such support for a more inclusive and diverse third sector.

The groundswell of votes and enthusiasm for each candidate, and this campaign as a whole, highlights the passion for driving progress across the sector. As talented and hardworking individuals are recognised for their abilities and achievements, we can fortify the charity sector as a whole. By ensuring that we attract and reward the most talented individuals, the charity sector can champion progress in achieving its mission and serving the needs of our users.

Without further ado, here are your amazing BAME Digital Leaders:

Mitesh Gandhi - Digital Manager, Crohn’s & Colitis UK

Monica Shafaq - CEO, The Kaleidoscope Plus Group

Rachel Xavier - Service Designer, Cancer Research UK

Donna White - Senior Head of Digital Marketing, The Prince’s Trust

Carol Akiwumi - CEO, Money4Youth

Kirsty Johnson - Social Media Volunteer, Bristol Refugee Rights

Shirin Zaid - Digital Communications Manager, Young Minds

Abul Hussain - Senior Digital Marketing Manager, the Royal British Legion

Rhia Patel - Digital Communication Officer, Sense

Emmanuel Ayoola - Director, Generating Genius

We’re excited to be working with a number of these exceptional BAME Digital leaders on a range of content throughout the next few months. This will include podcasts, panels and a number of speaker slots at our #BeMoreDigital 2020 Conference.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be profiling each of these digital leaders in more detail, sharing the important work and exemplary digital leadership that has led to their nominations.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone who voted, shared and got involved for making this campaign such a success.