Urban Synergy brought together educators, business leaders, and young people for its annual UShine Awards & Fundraiser held early in the week at WTW, 51 Lime Street, proving that even in times of global division, collective action can create pathways to opportunity.
The evening celebrated individuals who exemplify Urban Synergy’s mission: ensuring that no young person’s background becomes a barrier to their future. At a time when one million young people in the UK are economically inactive, the event highlighted the critical importance of supporting youth to navigate today’s uncertainties.
Hosted by Eddie Nestor, MBE, alongside Darae Palmer, the event shone a spotlight on the collective power of community to uplift the next generation. Against a backdrop of rising uncertainty for young people, with recent figures showing around one million young people currently economically inactive, the evening reinforced a clear message: when communities come together, young people thrive.
“Young people today face unprecedented challenges,” commented Leila Thomas, CEO & Founder of Urban Synergy, in her keynote address. “But when communities come together, teachers, mentors, businesses, and the young people themselves, we create something powerful: hope, opportunity, and real pathways to success.”
Since 2007, Urban Synergy has supported over 43,000 young people, connecting them with relatable role models, mentoring, and meaningful work experience opportunities. The charity’s 2025 Alumni Survey reveals compelling evidence of impact: young people who participated in both mentoring and work experience are twice as likely to be in full-time employment.
“In a world that often feels divided, Urban Synergy creates unity through shared purpose,” added Dianne Johnson, Head of Programmes. She continued “every mentor, every work placement, every conversation is an investment in a more inclusive future.”
The evening was generously supported by sponsors WTW, SQS, M&G plc, TheCityUK, and Moody’s, with entertainment from Troy the Magician and judging by senior leaders from Thomson Reuters, Bloomberg, Deutsche Bank, Deloitte, and PwC.
The awards celebrated excellence across education, mentoring and professional leadership, with winners including:
- Teacher Advocacy Award – Emmanuel Agyemang, Christ the King Sixth Form College
- Star Mentee Award – Kassena Uwejeyah
- Outstanding Role Model Award – Nicole Onye, M&G Investments
- Mentor Award – Ben Pessok, Protocol Education
- Work Experience Hero Award – Sarah Lavender, ITN
- Paul Lawrence Award – Success Morrison, M&G Plc (Urban Synergy Youth Council Chair & Alumni)
Entertainment from Troy the Magician, alongside a raffle and auction featuring prizes such as a Fortnum & Mason bespoke hamper, an Arsenal FC men’s first team signed football, and VIP tickets to I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical, helped raise vital funds to support Urban Synergy’s work.
With a goal to empower 50,000 young people by 2027, the charity’s 20th anniversary, Urban Synergy invites businesses and individuals to join its mission. Opportunities include mentoring, offering work experience placements, corporate partnerships, and sponsorship.
In a world filled with division, Urban Synergy continues to stand for connection, belief and the power of community, proving that when we invest in young people, we invest in a stronger future for everyone.
