Tessy has been appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE), the highest of honours, for her services to children and young people.
A lifelong commitment to empowering and supporting children and young people had led to recognition for The Diana Award’s CEO Tessy Ojo in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, 2020.
Tessy has been appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE), the highest of honours, for her services to children and young people.
It is most significant that this nomination has been led by young people, recipients of the Diana Award and participants of its anti-bullying and mentoring programmes who have experienced Tessy’s dedication and skills and feel passionately that she should be recognised formally.
Tessy is a humanitarian and campaigner who has gained an international reputation for advocating and nurturing change for young people. At the heart of her work is the belief that with the right support and investment, young people are the best instigators for achieving real, sustainable change in their lives and communities.
Callum Fairhurst, 23yrs, one of the young people who led on the nomination, met Tessy when he was a young boy after his brother Liam sadly died. Tessy encouraged Callum to continue his brother’s legacy. Callum says:
“Tessy has had a significant impact on so many young people including me. She has always been a driving force in helping me make a difference. Her support and advice enabled me to create a charity for bereaved siblings like myself. Tessy is a role model, mentor and champion for young people globally – it’s about time she is recognised in such a distinguished way too.”
Callum Fairhurst, The Diana Award Recipient
“Tessy’s pioneering leadership and passionate commitment to children and young people has been inspirational. This highly deserved award is especially significant as it has been led by young people who have seen first hand the impact Tessy has on so many.”
Wayne Bulpitt CBE, Chair of The Diana Award
“I am humbled by this honour and it feels momentous because it was driven by young people. It’s an immense privilege to work with children and young people. For the past twenty years at The Diana Award I have seen time and time again the life-changing impact we can have on young people by investing in them and empowering them to be a voice to create change.”
Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award
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