Tessy Ojo CBE is a highly respected advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion and a prominent speaker on topics related to race and ethnic minority issues, gender equality, and Black History Month. As the Chief Executive Officer of The Diana Award, a charity founded in memory of the late Princess Diana of Wales, Tessy has been instrumental in expanding its reach and impact, promoting youth leadership and social change. Since becoming CEO in 2012, Tessy has been responsible for the strategic direction and long-term sustainability of the organisation, which has thrived under her leadership. Her commitment to empowering young people and addressing social inequalities is evident in her work, both at The Diana Award and in her various roles on boards such as the #iwill Leadership Board, Comic Relief, and the Royal Taskforce on Cyberbullying.
Beyond her leadership at The Diana Award, Tessy is a passionate campaigner for social justice and an influential voice in discussions on diversity and inclusion. She frequently appears on platforms like ITV’s Good Morning Britain, sharing her insights on issues affecting young people, racial equality, and gender equality. Her articulate and powerful speaking style has made her a sought-after speaker at corporate events and award ceremonies. Tessy’s expertise and experience have made her a key figure in advocating for more inclusive policies and practices within organisations, helping them to improve their social outcomes and community engagement strategies.
In addition to her work in the charity sector, Tessy has achieved significant recognition for her contributions to social justice and diversity. She is notably the first British national to receive The Martin Luther King Award, an honour reflecting her dedication to promoting racial equality. She has also been celebrated with numerous awards, including the Women in Business Rising Star 2015, the Inspirational Woman of the Year at the GWOs in 2022, and a CBE in 2020 for her services to children and young people. Tessy’s influence extends across various sectors as she continues to shape conversations around diversity and inclusion, demonstrating her commitment to creating a more equitable society for all.
Tessy’s career spans over two decades, marked by a dedication to social change, diversity, and the empowerment of underrepresented communities. Her work began in the private sector at IBM and Borders Books before transitioning to the charity sector, where she found her calling in leading transformative social change. As a trustee for major UK charitable organisations like Comic Relief and a member of the BBC’s Appeals Advisory Committee, Tessy provides invaluable guidance on selecting and evaluating charities, ensuring they align with broader social change objectives. Her unique perspective, drawn from her rich experiences, makes her an inspiring speaker on race, diversity, and the importance of inclusive leadership, particularly during Black History Month.
Tessy Ojo is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:
“Thank you very much for your time to celebrate Black History Month. From the feedback and engagement on the call, the group definitely felt inspired and very engaged during your powerful talk today. We hope to continue our collaboration with you in the future and thanks again!”
“Tessy was engaging and inspiring, and we had really good attendance. Many thanks to Tessy for fitting us in, and spending some of her IWD day with us.”
The BAME Speakers Agency has been one of the UK’s leading bureaus for Black, Asian and minority ethnic speakers since 2020. We supply speakers for corporate and public events across the world, and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars.
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