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The Al Madina Female Funeral Team provides a vital and culturally essential service within the community by delivering professional, compassionate ghusl (ritual purification) for deceased women. Over the past 18 months, they have transformed a once‑anxious process into a trusted, dignified and expertly delivered service. Through specialist training and strong partnerships with local mosques, they have become a regional benchmark for spiritual excellence. Their 24/7 support brings comfort to grieving families, while their dedication has inspired new volunteers and modernised bereavement support. They uphold sacred tradition with integrity, ensuring every woman is honoured with respect and care.

Danielle Everitt is a standout entrepreneur in BD Giving’s 2025 GROW cohort and the visionary behind Final Checks Academy CIC. Her academy equips young people with the skills and confidence to pursue careers as professional makeup artists and hair stylists in theatre and TV. Since launching, she has supported more than 1,000 graduates into roles across film, television, fashion and global salon industries. Now based at Eastbrook Film Studios in Dagenham, Danielle continues to expand access through inclusive training, including a dedicated neurodiversity programme. Her impact and commitment to developing future creative talent make her an exceptional Entrepreneur of the Year candidate.

Ansarun Ahmed is a long‑standing community leader who founded the Women’s Coffee Morning Programme at Leftley Sports Club in 2024 to address social isolation and inequality among women, especially those over 40. Her initiative has grown rapidly, engaging nearly 1,000 women through wellbeing sessions, cultural events, skills workshops and community trips. Ansarun has built strong partnerships with health organisations and volunteers, successfully advocating for recognition and funding to expand the programme. Her work empowers women to build confidence, form friendships and re‑engage with their community, creating a trusted, inclusive space that continues to grow in reach and impact.

Sharleen “Red Fox” Ferrol Fulgence has dedicated 20 years to youth education and creative development as a Youth Practitioner with BDYD. She has taught and mentored more than 5,000 young people, helping them develop confidence, creativity and professional pathways through high‑quality dance and youth programmes. Her guidance extends beyond performance: she provides mentoring, pastoral support and career advice, helping young people recognise their strengths and transition into further education, employment and the creative industries. Her long‑term commitment, lived experience and deep community understanding have shaped BDYD’s values and direction, making her an influential educator and trusted role model.

Nassaba Guiba Fernandes is the founder of Elevate Together CIC, where she leads trauma‑informed, nature‑based wellbeing programmes supporting isolated adults, single parents and young people, including those with SEND. Her work reconnects communities with green spaces to improve mental health, emotional regulation and confidence while reducing digital dependency. Nassaba has created healing environments in gardens and schools, empowering women into volunteering and leadership roles and reaching over 100 residents. Through compassion, cultural understanding and evidence‑based practice, she provides accessible wellbeing pathways that build resilience, belonging and long‑term community health. Her leadership continues to transform overlooked spaces and lives.

Winnet Wadzanai Nyirenda is an inspiring young leader whose journey reflects remarkable resilience and determination. Beginning as a volunteer at 18, she overcame personal challenges to rise to Centre Manager at Happy Haven, leading a team of more than 10 staff supporting children and families. She has achieved a Level 5 Health and Social Care qualification and is now pursuing a career in social work. Winnet mentors young volunteers, strengthens parent–child relationships and fosters a positive, empowering environment. Her leadership, compassion and perseverance have transformed her own life and the lives of the families she serves.

Rhiann Hunte is a passionate youth worker known for her strong connections with young people across Barking and Dagenham. She has supported over 100 young people through mentoring, sports and arts‑based activities, youth clubs and estate‑based outreach. Rhiann creates safe, uplifting environments where young people feel heard, valued and motivated. Her work has improved confidence, communication skills, fitness and wellbeing, while providing meaningful alternatives to risky behaviour. She has established volunteering pathways for young people and is widely recognised by parents, schools and community groups for her dedication, kindness and impact. Rhiann is a respected and inspiring young leader.

Dionne Corrodus Weekes is the founder and driving force behind the Dagenham Eagles, a transformative civic‑drumming and marching programme engaging more than 300 young people. Her work reduces isolation and antisocial behaviour through discipline, creativity and community pride, empowering girls and women to lead in traditionally male‑dominated spaces. Dionne’s intergenerational approach strengthens families, schools and neighbourhoods, while partnerships with faith groups and the council ensure sustainable impact. Parents and young people credit her with building confidence, resilience and belonging. Her grassroots leadership has reshaped youth engagement across the borough and inspired widespread community participation.

To be announced after the event on Friday 13 March