The Diana Awards 2020

Ashley joined other luminaries such as Holby City actress Chizzy Akudolu, CEO of The National Mentoring Programme – David Shapiro, and most notably CEO of the Diana Award itself – CBE Tessy Ojo to celebrate National Mentoring Day and highlight the importance of mentoring young people.  

Particularly in a time as uncertain than this, helping young people fulfil their potential and accompanying their journey via mentoring is incredibly rewarding experience. Ashley’s role was to be a testimony to that, as somebody who has gone through the Diana Award mentoring programme herself. 

She adds: “I am really passionate about helping young people get to where they want to be in life, particularly through mentoring. It was so lovely to be able to express and celebrate the power of mentoring future change-makers that are young people, as well as to be surrounded by amazing people who believe in the cause”. 

Learning New Skills

“The one skill that I definitely learnt” – explains Ashley – “was confidence. I pride myself being a good speaker, however being in the same panel of CEOs and CBEs was an experience that I never thought I could do due to years of imposter syndrome. But whilst being on that panel, the atmosphere, the receptiveness boosted my confidence skills from “Hmm. How could I do this?” to “Yeah – I’ve got this!””. 

As a young person, it’s so reassuring to be surrounded by adults who truly recognise the potential of people like me and many others.

Ashley

Ashley loved being part of the panel conversation. She explains: 

“To be surrounded by incredible individuals who you never thought you’d ever be capable to speak to – and create a conversation that was empowering, motivating and mind-opening was such a lovely and one of a kind experience. As a young person, it’s so reassuring to be surrounded by adults who truly recognise the potential of people like me and many others.” 

Working With The Diana Awards

Global Academy is a partner school with the Diana Award and works with the organsation on their Anti Bullying programme as well as their Industry Mentoring opportunities for young people. 

The Diana Award was established in 1999 by a board chaired by the then Chancellor, Gordon Brown, who felt that the award would reflect the personal interest of Diana, Princess of Wales in supporting the outstanding achievements of young people.