Asian Women of Achievement Awards: Our CEO Has Been Nominated!

We’re thrilled to share the exciting news that our very own CEO, Ridwana Wallace-Laher, has been nominated for an Asian Women of Achievement Award as part of the Social and Humanitarian category. Such recognition for her dedication to making a BIG difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable people across the world not only highlights her exceptional contributions to charity, but also shows the importance of diverse voices shaping a more inclusive society for us all.  

Now in its 25th year, the Asian Women of Achievement Awards aim to celebrate and honour Asian women who are making incredible contributions to different areas of British society. The awards play a vital role in redefining these contributions and informing a new, positive, and pro-diversity debate across all major sectors. The 25th awards ceremony will take place on the 6th of June 2024 at the London Hilton, Bankside where a panel of judges will have the final say on the winners from each category. Ridwana is shortlisted alongside some other remarkable Asian women in the ‘Social and Humanitarian’ category such as Fawzia Koofi, the Chair of Women for Afghanistan and Diana Chao, the Founder and Executive Director of Letters to Strangers.  

With almost two decades of experience in the charity sector, Ridwana is no stranger to throwing herself in the deep end with all things Penny Appeal. From her trips to the field to her efforts at home, Ridwana has achieved incredible things in just a year of being CEO.  

Ridwana said: ‘’It is an honour to be shortlisted for the 25th Asian Women of Achievement Awards, it’s really special to share this nomination with other incredible women doing amazing things in the charity sector. Such recognition of our hard work and dedication to transforming vulnerable people’s lives is so important and rewarding. As the first female CEO of a major British Muslim charity, I’m honoured and privileged to be able to lead Penny Appeal to new heights, embracing diversity every step of the way. This awards ceremony is testament to the incredible milestones Asian women have achieved and will continue to achieve in Britain.’’ 

As we wait in anticipation for the big night on the 6th of June, we’d like to extend a BIG, orange congratulations to our CEO, Ridwana, and to all other nominees who have been shortlisted. May this awards ceremony inspire all women to work towards greatness in their respective fields and uplift each other along the way, and may we always be reminded that diversity, compassion, and resilience are key ingredients in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.