The first-ever Inspirational Youth Awards took place on 29 April at Birmingham Eastside Rooms, to honour and celebrate exceptional young people across the Midlands. The grand awards ceremony, organised and run by BEvents, saw 21 impressive young stars, aged 16-25 years old, recognised for their ongoing outstanding achievements and community contributions.
Hosted by Brummie comedian, presenter, and activist, David ‘Sideman’ Whitely, who is best-known for his comedy sketches, cultural commentary, and TV show reviews. The Inspirational Youth Awards brought together over 420 guests for the celebration. As well as crowning the winners, the black-tie event also treated guests to a three-course dinner and performances from Poet WuzzaMilly, singer Keilah Rebekah, Eloquent Dance Company, Sheddy Maria – Singer / Songwriter and Rap group Fly Boyz.
Recognising everything from entrepreneurial achievements to community contributions, the categories ranged from ‘Youth Activist of the Year’ and ‘Young Leader of the Year’ to ‘Young Carer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Community’.
The full list of Inspirational Youth Awards 2023 winners are:
· Apprentice of the Year Award – Aaron Carmichael, 19, from B:Music
· Arts and Culture Award – Jashaan Gill, 25, from Jheez
· Inclusivity Award – Amman Ahmed , 19, who currently works as a Youth Commissioner
· Most Promising Rising Star in Employment Award – Danielle Miles-Ranger, 25, from Aspire Education Group.
· Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award – Andre Russell, 20, from Coventry Youth PCC
· Outstanding Contribution to Young People Award – Yesmeen Singh, 21, from Roshni
· Student of the Year Award – Chloe Hawryluk. 20, from Youth Strike For Climate Group
· Wellbeing Award – Will Crawford, 25, from quietnote
· Young Activist of the Year Award – Adam Khan, 25
· Young Artist of the Year Award- Izobel Ward, 18, from Kimichi School
· Young Campaigner of the Year Award – Melvin Riley, 21, from Not So Micro
· Young Carer of the Year Award – Dhanyal Shafique, 19, from Balsall Heath CATS- Children Action Team Support
· Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Alexios Zachariades-Layland, 22, from Joobii
· Young Fundraiser of the Year Award – Louis Johnson, 16, from Birmingham Children’s Hospital
· Young Influencer of the Year Award – Kaylee Golding, 25, from BBC1 Xtra
· Young Innovator of the Year Award – Harriet Noy, 20, from Hazaar
· Young Inspirational/Person of the Year Award – Areeba Shoaib, 18, from Skills and Education Group
· Young Leader of the Year Award – Mohammed Al-Hassan, 18, from Shape Youth Forum
· Youth Project of the Year Award – BYSA Guidance Council – Birmingham Youth Sports Academy
· Young Sportsperson of the Year Award – Jayden Joseph, 20, from Loughborough University
· Young STEAM Personality of the Year Award – Nishika Chettry, 22, from Aston University
Commenting on the first-ever Inspirational Youth Awards, Anita Chumber, Co-Founder of BEvents, said:
“On behalf of BEvents, we would like to extend our warmest congratulations to all the winners of the inaugural Inspirational Youth Awards. It was truly inspiring to see so many exceptional young people from the West Midlands being recognised for their outstanding contributions to their communities.
“At BEvents, we firmly believe that young people are a force for change, and the Inspirational Youth Awards provided an opportunity to showcase the incredible impact they are having in their communities. We hope that this event will continue to shine a light on the achievements of the next generation and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”
The Inspirational Youth Awards has been launched by BEvents, which delivers some of the region’s most respected awards ceremonies: Birmingham Awards; Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards; Midlands Property & Investment Awards; and the Women in Tech Awards.
“We would also like to express our gratitude to everyone who attended the event and made it such a huge success. Your presence and support were greatly appreciated, and we couldn’t have done it without you! A special thank you goes to our sponsors, especially our headline sponsor Birmingham City Council, whose commitment to the awards meant we could give each of the young people the recognition they so deserve. We are already looking forward to next year, and we hope to see all our guests again next year!”, concluded Co-Founder of BEvents, Ifraz Ahmed.
