BMet College (BMet) is celebrating success at this year’s Multicultural Business and Community Champion (MBCC) Awards, after staff were nominated in several categories.
The annual black tie ceremony, held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, brought together inspirational organisations, education providers and community role models from across the region.
Hosted by comedian, actress and presenter Judi Love, alongside award-winning BBC radio presenter Noreen Khan, the evening featured live performances from Apache Indian, Marley and Shola Ama and a host of high-profile guests, including Rudolph Walker, Adrian Lester, Eddie Nestor and Vanessa Feltz.
Several members of the BMet college community were finalists on the night.
Natalie Simmonds-Alleyne, tutorials manager, took home the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award for her work championing inclusive practice and driving positive change across the college.
Francis Page was named a finalist for Most Inspirational Person of the Year, in recognition of the powerful impact of his work on students and colleagues. Sadiyah Nazir was shortlisted for Role Model of the Year for the positive example she sets every day, and Henna Khanum reached the final for Mentor of the Year, reflecting her unwavering commitment to supporting, guiding, and uplifting others within the BMet community. Francis, Sadiyah and Henna all work across BMet’s Student Experience Team.
Natalie said: “I am absolutely over the moon, and it still feels so unexpected. The work I do here at BMet, and more widely to champion and embed meaningful diversity and inclusion, is incredibly important to me.
“To have that work recognised on a national platform like the MBCC Awards is truly amazing. A huge thank you to BMet, my BAME network family and everyone who has supported me along the way, your encouragement means everything. I can’t stop smiling! This award has genuinely made my year and I hope my mum and dad are looking down proud.”
BMet principal and CEO Pat Carvalho said: “We are incredibly proud of Natalie, Francis, Sadiyah and Henna. Their recognition at the MBCC Awards is a powerful reflection of BMet’s values in action - putting inclusion, respect and community at the heart of everything we do.
“Their achievements show the difference our staff make every day, both within the college and across the communities we serve.”
BMet remains committed to empowering people through education, skills and strong community partnerships, and will continue to champion diversity and inclusion across all of its campuses.
Established in 2016, the MBCC Awards recognise individuals and organisations whose leadership, compassion and dedication strengthen communities and contribute to a fairer society. Categories such as Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, Most Inspirational Person, Mentor of the Year and Role Model of the Year highlight those making a meaningful difference across business, education and community sectors
