The European Diversity Awards recognise achievement across all strands of diversity: race, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity and belief.
Launched in 2010, the European Diversity Awards are now firmly established as the continent’s most prestigious and widely respected diversity event.
Attended by leading lights from business, politics and the media, the EDA recognises those individuals and organisations whose outstanding leadership has made a genuine difference to the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda.
Linda Riley, European Diversity Awards founder, said: ‘These awards exist to shine a light on those who have worked tirelessly to champion diversity and inclusion during what has been an extremely challenging year, particularly with the cost-of-living crisis and spiralling food and fuel costs.
‘Every deserving winner has made real achievements in race, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or religious belief over the past year.
Winner of European Diversity Charity of the Year 2022 was Autism Charity AnnaKennedyonline. The sponsor for this category was Optum who donated £5k to the charity.
Anna founded the charity in 2009 to support and share information to the many families and adults diagnoses with autism.
Anna said: “Ever since I started my own journey with my own sons Patrick and Angelo in 1999 and wanting to help and support those who like them have a diagnosis of Autism I am frustrated and disappointed with the lack of facilities and support across the UK.
This is why it is so important that all of us who are involved with the autism community should continue to fight hard and make our voices heard in improving educational and other resources for autistic individuals, their families and carers.”
Anna shares ‘ I was overwhelmed to receive Charity of the Year at the prestigious European Diversity Awards . I couldn’t do what I do without my PA Lisa Robins and my fantastic team of volunteers whom have been with me for many years giving up their precious time to support the charity. We are a small charity made up of autistic role models, parents, siblings and individuals who want to improve the quality of life for autistic individuals so they can make their mark in this world just like everyone else ‘
