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A non-profit organisation founded in 2017, officially registered in 2019, dedicated to supporting vulnerable teenage girls and young women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Using lived experiences, they offer inspiring services such as one-to-one/group mentoring, skill-based empowerment workshops, outreach sessions, and youth safety awareness assemblies. Their impactful initiatives include the #ProtectHer Campaign, featured on BBC and ITV News, and the "Don’t Get Finessed" Campaign with Barclays and Snapchat. Elevate Her UK provides essential community support in Barking and Dagenham, empowering young women to reach their full potential and thrive despite life's challenges.

A lifeline to refugees facing isolation and poverty, creating meaningful career paths through her business, Ultimate Counselling. Employing 16 people, 90% of whom have experienced migration, Sarah also mentors local entrepreneurs. Despite systemic barriers, she built a sustainable social enterprise offering integrated services to help immigrants navigate systems and advocate for their rights. Widely respected by local authorities, Sarah expanded her evidence-based business across London. Her success inspires Black female entrepreneurs, refugee entrepreneurs, and social entrepreneurs. Sarah's innovative counselling service highlights her remarkable impact on migrant communities.

Instrumental in supporting young people in Barking and Dagenham to achieve their full potential through their Business Shower Project. By offering a variety of workshops, JDS helps youth embark on their entrepreneurship journey, creating opportunities for business development. As one of the first organisations focused on youth business initiatives, JDS provides a safe space for young people to feel secure and build relationships. Their efforts have significantly engaged the community, offering numerous opportunities for young people and mothers alike. JDS's dedication to empowering youth makes them deserving of recognition.

For over 15 years, Saime has promoted learning and education for Albanian-speaking children and young people in Barking and Dagenham. Through the Shpresa Programme, she provides supplementary education at Gascoigne School and Barking Library, supporting over 60 children annually in language skills, drama, poetry, and performance. Saime's personalised and informal learning environment complements mainstream education, bridging gaps in understanding the UK education system. Her classes enhance self-esteem, leadership, and campaigning skills, fostering community engagement. Saime's exceptional skills and leadership empower children to embrace their Albanian British heritage, challenge racism, and break down barriers, earning recognition from the Jack Petchey Foundation.

An invaluable asset to Ekota, making a lasting impact through her dedication and innovation. As the only female football coach, she has inspired young girls to participate in sports. She revitalised social media engagement, led a successful summer programme launched by Sadiq Khan and Professor Green, and pioneered women’s Pilates sessions and girls-only football. Saleema also delivers youth mindfulness sessions, fostering confidence and resilience. Her efforts have increased female volunteers and inspired young people to become coaches. Saleema's work in creating safe, inclusive spaces has empowered women and girls, proving that sport and wellbeing activities are for everyone.

An exceptional Deputy Head Cadet with the local Police Cadets. At just 14 years old and living with Type 1 diabetes, she has earned respect through her dedication and achievements, including the Jack Petchey Award and Cadet of the Borough. Daniela volunteers at the local library, serves as an anti-bullying ambassador at her school, and supports her cadet peers with their uniforms and community activities. Her commitment to creating a safe, inclusive environment and her aspiration to become a police officer highlight her resilience and determination. Daniela is a shining example for our youth, inspiring a brighter future for our community.

An impressive track record of achievements. She founded the first Albanian-language supplementary school in the UK, providing educational opportunities for children and young people. Under her leadership, the school received the prestigious Exceptional Award from the National Resource Centre for Supplementary Education. Flutura expanded the initiative from Mayfield School in Dagenham, supporting diverse migrant communities. 

Flutura has also run the Breaking The Chains - a specialist support project for unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people, for which a number of rewards were received; London Youth Quality Mark, Gold Award in Youth Work provision; and Marsh Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Flight against Modern Slavery. As a leading figure in the Shpresa Programme, she champions civil rights and has led community campaigns like the Free Bus Campaign and Educate Not Hate. Her mentorship has transformed lives, empowering young people to become Immigration and Mental Health Champions, and fostering a culture of advocacy and innovation.