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About the Awards

Meet our Steering Group

What better people to lead the awards than previous winners themselves?

Take the wheel!

Previous winners and self advocates lead this group. They have some important responsibilities to navigate…

Shaping decisions and engaging in meaningful consultations.

Speaking to the media, MPs and influencers.

Shortlisting entries to decide who are finalists.

(That beautiful artwork is from previous winner Jemma Clancy)

Meet the Steering Group members

Laura Cantliff

Laura is Chair of the Steering Group, she helps makes sure meetings are constructive and enjoyable for everyone. She won in 2024 for her work helping neurodiverse and disabled people access health, exercise, leisure. In addition to this, she is completing doctoral research into performing arts training to help neurodiverse people.

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Who’s our final member?

The next person to join has a specialist role in the Steering Group; they are going to be our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion lead. We’re looking for someone who is particularly passionate about making sure everybody is included and represented and will bring these values to the Leaders Awards.

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Jordan Smith

Jordan was one of our first Leaders, back in 2018, in the Advocacy, Policy and the Media category. He has since been elected Chair of the Dimensions Council and is a staunch advocate for equal healthcare and against hate crime.

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James Walker

James, 2019 Local Communities winner, has featured in national news and spoken to MPs since winning. He’s become an incredible Dimensions advocate, speaking on behalf of our campaigns against hate crime and for voting rights He’s been featured multiple times in national media, including on Channel 4 News with reporter and fellow winner Ruben Reuter.

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Piangfan Naksukpaiboon

One of our latest winners, Piangfan graciously accepted her Sports, arts and entertainment award at the O2 in 2024. Despite medals and honours galore, she’s humble and a passionate advocate for autistic, LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights.

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Jonathan Andrews

Since winning in the 2018 Work and Education category, Jonathan has gone on to be; a qualified solicitor, fourth on the Shaw Trust Disability 100, one of 20 worldwide on the Enable Role Model List and an elected councillor.

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“Be proud, of who you are”

Entries and nominations close on 3 February at 10am. It’s free for all, with each participant receiving a personalised digital certificate. Finalists are then invited to our exclusive, free award ceremony and winners’ stories and voices are shared for all to see.

Enter now