FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
London, November 2024 — Urban Synergy is thrilled to announce the nominees for the 2024 Urban Synergy UShine Awards, which recognise outstanding individuals and organisations that have contributed significantly to the development and empowerment of young people through mentorship and advocacy.
This year’s nominations showcase the dedication of our volunteers, mentors, corporate partners, and the young people they have supported. The selection process was particularly challenging, with many exceptional candidates. Narrowing down the finalists has been a testament to the impact of everyone involved, highlighting the strength of our Urban Synergy community.
"We are proud to see so many inspiring individuals who have volunteered their time and efforts. Each nominee has demonstrated unwavering commitment to helping young people achieve their fullest potential," said Leila Thomas, CEO & Founder of Urban Synergy. “We would love to invite everyone to our event and truly value each person's contribution. However, due to limited venue capacity, we are unfortunately unable to extend an invitation to everyone.”
The Urban Synergy UShine Awards celebrate a year of collective generosity and success, with categories recognising excellence in mentorship, student leadership, and corporate partnerships. Finalists include inspiring teachers, mentors, and mentees who have gone above and beyond to support youth from underrepresented communities in London.In the presence of our Corporate Board drawn from Goldman Sachs, Citi, Dynamic Planner, UK Power Networks, WTW, London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), Salesforce and our main sponsors, the hosts Darae Palmer and Urban Synergy Patron the Broadcaster Eddie Nestor MBE, we will present awards to winners from among:
UShine Awards Nominees 2024
Teacher Advocacy:
- Emmanuel Agyemang, Assistant Principal, St Mary's Campus Christ The King Sixth Form College
- Holly Power, Principal, Aquinas Campus Christ The King Sixth Form College
- Tazeem Akhtar, KS2 Lead, Hawksmoor Primary School
Star Mentee:
- Kiera, Mentee Alumni & Sales Trainee, Thomson Reuters
- Chibi, Mentee Alumni & L6 Apprentice, Finance & Investment, Bloomberg
- Nylah, Mentee Alumni & Intern, Thomson Reuters
- Samson, Mentee Alumni & Degree Apprentice Civil Engineer, Balfour Beatty
Outstanding Role Model:
- Nicole Onye, Product Delivery Manager, M&G
- Bill Schomberg, Chief UK Economics Correspondent, Thomson Reuters
- Karen Bell, Sub-Officer, London Fire Brigade
- Sharon Blackman OBE, Managing Director, Global Head of Services Legal, Citi
Mentor:
- Awah Tumban Akongbom, Collateral & Liquidity Management, LSEG
- Tom Wooldridge, Director, WTW
- Lydia Hamill, Fixed Income Index Product Manager, Bloomberg
- Michael Dicks, Retired Finance Professional
- Laura Frost, Aviva
Work Experience Hero:
- Jacquline Alcindor, Global Diversity & Inclusion Programme Partner, Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM)
- Sarah Lavender, Head of Studio & Production, Line Producer, ITN
- Amelia Grainger, People & Talent Administrator, Dynamic Planner
Paul Lawrence Award:
- Jadon, PwC Management Consultant Apprentice
- Zackaria, Cambridge University Graduate
- Cairo, Electrical Cable Jointer Apprentice, UK Power Networks (UKPN)
The 2024 UShine Awards will take place in the presence of these nominees and our sponsors on 27th November 2024 in London, coming together to celebrate this year's achievements.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Thank you to all our sponsors and partners. Urban Synergy is still offering sponsorship packages for the Urban Synergy 2024 UShine Awards. Sponsors can help ensure that the next generation of talent continues to flourish, with packages starting from £1,000. Sponsorship provides brand visibility across our event, website, and promotional materials, reaching 4,000 business professionals and Gen Z consumers.
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact us at www.urbansynergy.com/contact-us and visit www.urbansynergy.com for more information.
About Urban Synergy
Urban Synergy is an award-winning social mobility charity that aims to empower young people from underrepresented backgrounds to reach their full potential. Through a combination of mentoring, role model seminars, and work experience opportunities, Urban Synergy provides the support and skills necessary for the next generation to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Since its inception, Urban Synergy has positively impacted the lives of thousands of young people, thanks to the dedication of volunteer mentors and corporate partners.