- Dorset Ethnic Minority Awards are county’s first to celebrate the ethnic Minority community supported by prominent local businesses
- Over 800 nominations received including Sports Leaderships and Community Champions
- Public can vote for shortlisted nominees from 4th of July 2018
- Tickets now available for the glitzy, glamorous, red-carpet finale on 29 September 2018 at the BIC Solent hall
- DEMA is supported by AFC Bournemouth, NHS and Bournemouth University and other local Businesses.
Bournemouth – Dorset Ethnic Minority Awards (DEMA) – the county’s first-ever mainstream awards seeking to celebrate pinnacle members of the ethnic minority community in Dorset – has received hundreds of nominations from the public and as such voting for the shortlisted candidates opens 4 July 2018.
These awards will aim to showcase, celebrate and highlight positive Ethnic Minority trailblazers, who are excelling in their chosen fields across a broad spectrum of industries.
The Dorset Ethnic Minority Jury, made up of professionals and community leaders in Dorset, have researched the nominations received and shortlisted the most deserving candidates in each category. It is this shortlist that will be opened to the public for voting.
Nominations for the awards opened on 9 February across 17 categories that include, male and female entrepreneur of the year, as well as an award that will recognise an unsung hero in the community.
DEMA, which is co-founded by Bournemouth University alumni Nanzy Sebata, has gathered the support of local government officials and prominent organisations, including AFC Bournemouth, Bournemouth University, Dorset NHS, Dorset Race Equality Council and local businesses in Dorset.
“We’re keen to get the whole county behind the awards and would like to encourage everyone to take part in voting for the outstanding individuals who are changing Dorset for the better,” said Nanzy.
Bournemouth University, BU International College, Dorset Race Equality Council and Dorset Ethnic Minority Association partnered with the organisation earlier in the year. The NHS and several Trust in Dorset have also become official supporters.
Ben Abberstein, Equality Partnerships Executive at AFC Bournemouth said, “We are proud to be supporting the Dorset Ethnic Minority Awards and look forward to honouring the individuals that have immensely contributed to Dorset county. The awards have received hundreds of nominations proving that there are a host of people which our community feels should be honoured for their contributions.”
Voting opens on the 4th of July and will run for 6 weeks. Winners will be announced at a Gitsy, Glamorous, Red Carpet style Awards Ceremony on 29 September 2018 at the BIC’s Solent Hall. All voting and event tickets are available from www.DorsetEthnicMinorityAwards.org.uk.
Official DEMA Nominees 2018
Female Entrepreneur of the year
- Kelly Levell
- Natalia Dacosta
- Kate Urmanska
- Helen Ohwofasa
Male Entrepreneur of the Year
- Tilan – Global Spice
- Donald Jabangwe
- Russ Chornolutskyy
- Efe Ohwafasa
Community Champion of the year
- Saroj Chowdhury
- Sister Tama
- Lynda Ford-Horne
- Mona Elkotory
- Damaris Mwangi
Community Group of the year
- It’s All About Culture
- Bournemouth Interpreters
- Unity In Vision
- Dorset Centre Us
- Fil-Brits Community Dorset
- Bulgarian Community Bournemouth
Barbershop of the year
- Istanbul Traditional Turkish Barber
- Deolo Barbers
- Xellance Barbers
- Savas Turkish Barber
- Shawn Barbers
Hairdressers of the year
- Vinicius Ribeiro ( V Design)
- Sophia Kane
- Afrosia Afro European Hair
- PEPE Polski Hair & Beauty
Young Achiever Award
- Sharon Nyangwe
- Olivia Demetriou
- Jamie Handitye
- Theo M Hayton
- Miss Dorset Steph Wyatt
Innovation Award
- Sharon Muiuri
- Dr Demetra Andreou
- Maciej Kijewski
- Angela Piromalli
Newsagent of the year
- Polish Delicattesan
- Fajny Sklep
- Global Spice
- Parkstone Delicattesan
- Little Buddha Newsagent
Restaurant of the Year
- Abdul’s Resturant
- Romanzo Greek Taverna
- Taj Mahal
- Fusion Mandarin
- Pizzeria Via Roma
Small Business of the year
- Makkah Foods
- Chinese Medical Art
- RR Photographic
- 1 South African Shop
- Bostico International
Educational Excellence Award
- Hannah Osman
- Dr Deborah Gabriel
- Dr Angelos Stefanidis
- Dr Demetra Andreou
- Martin Coyne
Philanthropy Award
- JP Morgan Chase
- International Care Network
- Dorset Community fund
- Lush Charity Pot
People’s Choice Award
- Denise Wootten
- Kitty Pui Pui
- Carmelo San Juan
- Kundai Muzura
- Enrique Perez Valdes
Learning School Par Excellence
- Bournemouth Chinese School
- Bournemouth Thai Language School
- Anglo Continental Bournemouth
- Harrow House International college
- Open Door Language School
Dynamic Crossover Award
- TransferGo
- Emma Scott
- A-Plan Insurance
- Azimo
- O2 International
Sports Leadership Award
- Alvin Gunputh – Poole Town ladies FC Head Coach
- Fatima Adjilani – Bournemouth Volleyball Club Manager /coach
- Bob Povey – Children’s Football Coach.
Unsung Hero
- Kitty Pui Pui
- Denise Wootten
- Janusz Kulczycki (CEO)
- Martin Coyne
- Damaris Mwangi
- For more information on the Dorset Ethnic Minority Awards and sponsorship opportunities please visit DorsetEthnicMinorityAwards.org.uk.