Empower Gala 2024 celebrates excellence, cultural heritage and global impact
Published: 28/10/2024
Empower Gala 2024, a prestigious event celebrating culture, business excellence and community leadership, took place at the Ashford International Hotel, bringing together influential leaders and change makers from across Kent and beyond. This year’s gala invited guests to embrace their cultural roots whilst fostering connections, collaborations and partnerships.
Empower Gala’s vision is to create a platform that not only celebrates individual achievements but also fosters meaningful connections, igniting real change in communities and industries. The mission is to recognise and elevate individuals and organisations that embody excellence, innovation, and leadership, while aligning with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Empower Gala was created to address a crucial gap in the community: the need for a platform that not only recognises individual excellence but also creates meaningful connections between leaders from diverse sectors. By celebrating the achievements of underrepresented voices and fostering partnerships, the event brings together trailblazers from the public, private, and charity sectors. It bridges the gap between emerging leaders and established experts, driving collaboration and empowering individuals to unlock new opportunities.
The gala highlights the importance of creating partnerships across sectors and cultures, contributing to sustainable development while building a more inclusive and impactful future.
The event was attended by a distinguished list of guests, including HM Lieutenancy of Kent, The Mayor of Ashford, and leaders from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB Kent), the Breakthrough Women Network, the Institute of Directors (IOD Kent), and The Mindsight Women’s Network. The event was supported by its Sponsors and Partners: Blessing by Blé, Knowledge Incorporated, Kent Community Foundation, Brevity Anderson, Ashford Borough Council, FSB Kent and AJE1.
Welcome remarks were delivered by key stakeholders:
- Mrs Susie Warran-Smith, CBE DL, representing the HM Lieutenancy of Kent, and a respected Non-Executive Director of HMRC and The British Library
- The Worshipful, The Mayor of Ashford, Councillor Lyn Suddards
- Isaac Enakimio, CEO, Knowledge Incorporated
- Blessing Enakimio, CEO, Blé Global
The keynote address was delivered by Emerald Ace-Acquah, a Consultant at Bain & Company, who shared insights on how one’s journey was part of “The Plan” that can ignite transformative partnerships and create lasting impact. She said - “I happen to be a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.”
Anchors for the evening were Chelsea Little, kmfm breakfast show host, and Mr. Cee, while Kent’s Uzambezi Arts Performers provided vibrant cultural entertainment, representing the rich diversity celebrated at the gala.
At the heart of Empower Gala is the celebration of ACCESS, a principle highlighted by the Event Director - Dr. Blessing Enakimio in her welcome remarks, which focused on how access empowers connections, fosters partnerships and ignites global possibilities. She encouraged attendees to embrace diversity and take bold actions that create ripples of impact, aligning with the gala’s commitment to SDGs 8, 10, and 17.
Dr. Blessing Enakimio, CEO of Blé Global, explained: “Empower Gala is more than a celebration - it is a testament to The Power of One. One vision, one decisive step, one significant action can shift perspectives, ignite partnerships, and shape the future. This evening has reminded us that each one of us holds the power to create a ripple effect, starting with one bold move.”
This year’s Empower Gala Award Winners demonstrated excellence in their respective fields and are recognised for driving positive change in their communities and industries:
- Susie Warran-Smith CBE DL - Business Champion
- Chuks Uwaechia - Community Champion
- Breakthrough Women - Female Empowerment Champions
- Nana Odom - Excellence in Clinical Engineering
- Shweta Dowlot-Maulayah - Excellence in Home-Care Services
- Paulette Watson MBE - Excellence in STEM and Digital Inclusion
- Dr. Carol Stewart - Excellence in Community Development
- Christine Locke - Excellence in Community Integration
- Dr. Kelechi Anyanwu - Excellence in Culture and Equity Development
- Kayleigh Graham - Excellence in Professional Career Advancement
- Prof. Kene Igweonu - Excellence in Creative Education
- Nicola Wise - Excellence in Training and Development
- AJ Sharp - Excellence in Public Relations
- High Chief Nduka Anyanwu - Excellence in Entrepreneurship
- Stacey Foster - Excellence in Female-led Accountancy
- Mercy Muller - Excellence in Hair Styling
- Desiree Nurse - Excellence in Female Health Support
- Emerald Ace-Acquah - Young Achiever - Excellence in Consulting
- Uchechi Nze - Young Achiever - Excellence in Physiotherapy
- Madam Stella Eyituoyor - Excellence in Retail Service
“Speaking of awards...we won!! We were absolutely delighted to win the award for 'Female Empowerment Champions' an absolute honour - thank you!” – Breakthrough Women.
“’If you can see her, you can be her!’ Today, I stand humbled and honoured to receive this award at #EmpowerGala24 in my local community, not just for my journey, but for the countless women and girls who dare to dream beyond the ordinary.” – Nana Odom.
“Well it’s not often I can say I danced with an African tribal band (in stilettos of course!), laughed so much I cried and even won an award! I had the BEST night at the #empowergala24.” – Stacey Foster.
“We said it was going to be a hot ticket but nothing could have prepared us for the absolutely incredible evening we had. Absolute joy!” – Deborah Turner
“This award we dedicate to God Almighty for favour we find amongst men, the many volunteers that turn up come rain or sunshine to feed many families in our community, the many organisations that champion our vision in our local community, the supporters who help us send kids to schools in challenged communities, the many volunteers who feed our street homeless through our food kitchen, the many sporting bodies and companies helping us to change lives through our 1 million Gloves Campaign” – Chuks Uwaechia
Empower Gala, hosted annually, has grown into a prestigious platform that showcases the achievements of remarkable individuals and organisations while fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment. This year’s event underscored the importance of embracing diversity as a source of strength and innovation, reflecting the gala’s alignment with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
For more information on the Empower Gala and next year’s event, please visit: www.bleglobal.co.uk/empowergala
