Pinky Lilani OBE is a food guru, motivational speaker and internationally acclaimed champion for women. She is the founder and chairman of ‘The Asian Women of Achievement Awards’, ‘The Women of the Future Awards’, ‘The Ambassadors’ Programme’ and ‘The Global Empowerment Award’. Indian cookery specialist and owner of Spice Magic Ltd, she has advised supermarkets, written cook books and runs team building days for major corporations based around Indian food. She is patron of several charities and was named as one of Britain’s 100 most entrepreneurial women, one of the 30 most influential Muslim women and appears on the BBC Radio 4 Women’s Hour Powerlist.
“…I am delighted that the Asian Women of Achievement Awards continue to recognise the brightest and best…”
The Asian Women of Achievement Awards, in association with The Royal Bank of Scotland
I founded the awards in 1999 to celebrate the often unsung Asian heroines in the UK. Such women make a huge contribution in fields as diverse as business, entrepreneurship and social and humanitarian work. These awards are their moment in the spotlight.
Over their 15-year history, the awards have recognised and provided a platform for an exciting generation of Asian female groundbreakers.
The vision
Today, our vision is that these awards should be the pre-eminent platform for celebrating the contribution of diverse cultures and talents in UK society.
There is a growing confidence, positivity and youth about the new generation of Asian achievers in Britain. Back in 1999 when I started the awards, Asian women often worked away from the mainstream, accomplishing in their local communities, in niche industries, and a long way from the spotlight.
Today, Asian women occupy positions of influence and power at the heart of British business, politics and society. I am delighted that the Asian Women of Achievement Awards continue to recognise the brightest and best, and that we can come together to celebrate the achievements of these amazing women.
2014 shortlist
This year’s shortlist features 54 of Britain’s most groundbreaking Asian leaders from actresses to entrepreneurs, surgeons to sportswomen.
Nominees include:
- Romy Gill, chef-owner – Romy’s Kitchen – Originally from West Bengal, she opened Romy’s Kitchen in Thornbury last year, making her the first female Indian chef-owner in the UK.
- Preeya Kalidas – an actress who has showcased her talents as an actor, singer and dancer on stage, television and film. From starring in British hit films such as Bend It Like Beckham and TV show Eastenders, to embracing London’s West End in Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bombay Dreams.
- Professor Geeta Nargund, consultant, medical director and CEO, St George’s Hospital and Create Health Clinics and Create Health Foundation London – an internationally renowned, doctor, innovator and campaigner with an unwavering commitment to making fertility treatment safer, more affordable and accessible both in UK and in developing countries.
- Divya Reddy, production technologist – Shell UK – a production engineer in Shell UK, one of the company’s youngest ever subsurface field leads. A rare woman in the energy industry, she worked in Siberia in minus 40 degrees Celsius conditions, and successfully served as well and reservoir management coordinator for Shell Europe.
The judges
The 19 strong judging panel is chaired by Sir Nicholas Young , Chief Executive of the British Red Cross, and includes a wealth of talent from the corporate, arts and business worlds including: HR Director at Mitie, Katherine Thomas; Chairman of BBC Children in Need, Stevie Sprin and Master of the Royal Household, Vice Admiral Anthony Johnstone-Burt CB OBE.
Winners announced
The Awards will be held on Wednesday 4 June at the Hilton Hotel in London.
Find out more
http://www.awa.realbusiness.co.uk