THE 2026 JUDGING PANEL

Each year we’re supported by a dedicated group of volunteer judges from around the world who help assess nominations. These volunteers bring a wide range of perspectives and expertise, helping to ensure a fair, inclusive, and thoughtful review process.

AFRICA

Ibrahim Bello

Nigeria
Child of an orphan mother who became a medical doctor dedicated to girl child education and SRHR advocacy with 5+ years of experience empowering young girls.

Iyanuoluwa Ajao

Nigeria
Product Lead at ClassmateBot, AI study agent for African students. Former Venture Guide at INSEAD AI Venture. Passionate about empowering youth through education and technology

Praisejah Osumgba-Benson

Nigeria
Youth-focused technologist from Nigeria advancing STEM advocacy, mentorship, and community innovation. Dedicated to empowering young people through education, creative problem-solving, and impactful social projects.

JoY Offere

Nigeria
Joy Offere, a Nigerian software engineer and education activist, founded Shenovate to bridge the tech gender gap. A Princess Diana Award recipient, she promotes inclusive STEM education across Africa.

Leticia Portella Voogt

Switzerland
Brazilian-Dutch wellbeing specialist committed to youth empowerment, emotional health and social impact. Passionate about service, inclusion and fostering collaboration between Brazil, Europe and the UK.

Abhimanyu Kumar Sharma

India
Youth advocate from Chennai with five years’ experience championing mental health and inclusion. Dedicated to empowering young people through leadership development, Scouting, and civic engagement.

Qaiser Nawab

Pakistan
Global youth advocate, strategic communications expert, and Founder of BRISD. A Commonwealth Youth Gender Champion dedicated to empowering changemakers and advancing the SDGs.

Reina Visiy

Cameroon
Cameroon-based youth leader empowering girls in STEM. Program Officer at STEM Girls Connect, passionate about mentorship, skills development, and closing the gender gap in science.

Olawale Adeniyi

Nigeria
Innovation advocate from Nigeria supporting young people in STEM. Passionate about education equity, youth empowerment, and turning high-potential ideas into solutions that transform communities.

Anubhuti Joshi

Germany
Anubhuti is an international relations leader and founder of Culture Axis Lab, a global storytelling platform spotlighting cultural changemakers and emerging social impact trends. With a decade of experience across higher education, diplomacy, and youth leadership, she has built cross-continental partnerships with governments, embassies, and top universities, including Austrade, QS World University Rankings, Navitas, and the University of Exeter.

Omoniyi Lawson

Nigeria
Digital development practitioner with nearly a decade of experience leveraging technology, education, and policy to drive social and behavioural change, empower youth, and promote inclusive, safe communities

Prudhvi Golla

India
Leads Youth for Sustainable Society, advancing education equity for rural Indian students through scholarships, digital learning, health awareness, and skills training impacting 16,000+ young people.

Simel Masood

Pakistan
Emerging public health researcher from Pakistan working on SRHR, PCOS screening, and youth health equity. Passionate about data-driven reforms, community education, and disability-inclusive reproductive care.

Sabiha Shaheen

Pakistan
Recipient of Commonwealth Youth Worker Award 2025. Led training and mentoring of over 1 million Pakistani youth in 28 years of youth work.

AMERICAS

Dipro Prattoy

United States of Amercia
Edtech Founder and Diana Award recipient empowering youth through 10,000+ teaching hours, leading a 20-member team, and inspiring 500k followers with accessible global education and mentorship.

Gunn Vajirakachorn

United States of Amercia
Founder of environmental nonprofit and youth changemaker from Thailand driven to promote sustainable living and inclusive communities.

Radhika Dadhich

India
Environmental innovator from India creating affordable greywater recycling systems to support farmers. Dedicated to sustainability, youth mentorship, and building climate-resilient rural communities.

Enock Tamale

Uganda
Award-winning multidisciplinary filmmaker and human rights advocate using creative media to advance education access, digital literacy, ECD, and civic participation across marginalized communities in Africa.

Kawthar Salahudeen

Nigeria
Kawthar is a Public Interest Lawyer, civic cum Justice-tech innovator advancing democratic governance, youth inclusion, and institutional accountability through policy reform, participatory systems, and innovative public sector and community interventions.

Diljunnahar Chandni

Bangladesh
A storyteller by heart. An aspiring writer , content strategist, editor and proofreader. Loves art , music, traveling and cats. Loves sketching and writing short poems. Loves to discover themself every day in a different dimension. And one thing they always say to themselves... So what’s next?

Fajer Pasha

Pakistan
Girls’ education champion and social impact leader with 24 years’ experience transforming underserved communities, empowering young changemakers, and advocating for equitable opportunities.

Beryl Mungai

Kenya
Licensed psychologist and mental health advocate empowering Kenyan youth through NBKG’s drug-prevention programmes, community resilience work, and school-based interventions.

Samira Ahmadi

Iran
Girls’ education advocate from Afghanistan supporting over 200 learners through community initiatives. Committed to defending educational rights and empowering girls through access, mentorship, and opportunity.

Ghalia Aamer

Canada
Founded TalkMaze to equip youth with confidence and communication skills to lead change. Using law to uplift startup founders and domestic violence survivors.

Dr. Rajinder Atwal

Canada
Dr. Rajinder Atwal is a multiple award winner, author, family physician for 28 years, CEO  of a busy medical clinic and Covid 24-7 Canada.

Lyndsay Harris-Kyei

United States of Amercia
Lyndsay Harris-Kyei is a corporate social responsibility and sustainability leader with a track record of aligning impact initiatives with business strategy to drive meaningful change. As head of Global Impact and Sustainability at ServiceNow, she leads the company’s efforts in social impact, environmental sustainability, and regulatory reporting.

Jagruti Dhande

United States of Amercia
Jagruti Dhande, a multi-award-winning changemaker, advances STEM education and drives decarbonisation efforts, empowering communities toward a smarter, greener future

Robert Koller

United States of Amercia
Experienced senior executive in finance, healthcare, and IT, dedicated to empowering youth, championing integrity, and advancing positive change through compassionate leadership and lifelong mentorship.

Heather Graubard

United States of Amercia
Global communications leader with more than two decades of experience shaping brand narratives and building trust for some of the world’s most recognized companies.

Faezuddin Belal

Bangladesh
A youth activist leading Bangladesh Youth Society, advancing gender equality, climate action, education, and serving as a Diana Award-winning UNODC global youth advisor.

Sri Themudu Bully Baboo

Malaysia
Chief Programme Officer at Green Growth Asia Foundation, leading youth-focused climate and ESD programmes in schools across Malaysia. Committed to empowering young changemakers.

Bronte Edwards

England
Her journey started with The Diana Award, and it’s shaped everything since! She now leads the NHS Youth Forum and founded The Girls Circle to empower young people.

Abdullah Al Hasan Dipto

Bangladesh
Abdullah is an educator, researcher, curriculum developer, and social reformer. They founded one of the largest youth-led organizations. Pathchola in Bangladesh, and received the Diana Award in 2023.

Nehemiah Aaron Nathan

Malaysia
Young changemaker and 2023 Diana Award Recipient, co-founder of The EduLab, committed to improving English literacy and empowering youth through innovative, community-driven education initiatives.

Jiayuan Tian

China
Co-founder of OneXplore; Columbia University SIPA candidate; 2024 Diana Award’s sole mainland China recipient advancing youth voice and global education equity.

Diana Kamwibua

United States of Amercia
Educator and researcher analyzing 9,000+ USA nonprofit financial records. Led community empowerment programs reaching 100+ families in Kenya. Dedicated to developing young leaders with integrity, resilience, and purpose.

Bibin Prathap

United Arab Emirates
AI and Analytics Leader (12+ years) specializing in Generative AI and LLMs. Microsoft MVP and IEEE Senior Member dedicated to assessing impactful, scalable innovation.

Leann Santore

United States of Amercia
Chief of Staff & Director of Operations for ServiceNow.org, focused on bringing transformational capacity of tech and AI to nonprofits across the world. Passionate about empowering young people to innovate for technology to solves impactful challenges.

Rida Karim

United States of Amercia
Youth advocate with experience on America's ninth-largest school board. Drove equity reforms that protected religious freedom while strengthening well-being for thousands of diverse students.

Amanda Batista

United States of Amercia
Education innovator working to reimagine learning systems and create meaningful opportunities for young people choosing alternative paths.

Carys Mihardja

Indonesia
Eight years in Down syndrome advocacy, building sustainable, practical skill-building projects that help young people shape their own careers and reimagine what their futures can look like.

ASIA

Amran Hussain

England
Magistrate, Family Court Judge, Tribunal Chair, Healthcare Manager Director, Professor, Army Seargent

Ashab Al Yeamin

Bangladesh
Committed changemaker from Bangladesh advancing women’s empowerment, youth leadership, and nutrition equity. Inspires young people to lead bold, lasting change for a fairer, healthier world.

Joelle Kabisoso

Canada
Joëlle Kabisoso, Governor General’s Award recipient and founder of Sisters in Sync, champions Black girls’ leadership and fiercely advocates for survivors of gender-based violence across Canada.

Hafza Hira Amjad

Pakistan
Feminist philanthropist and Care-centred feminist movement builder with 11 years' experience in sustaining grassroots resistance against injustice, violence and patriarchy. Dreamer heart and supporting frontline environmental defenders and movement builders across Pakistan.

Chuck Chuan Ng

Malaysia
Associate Professor in Environmental Science dedicated to sustainability education and community engagement, supporting youth development through environmental awareness, research guidance, and impactful capacity-building initiatives.

Robina Azizi

Germany
Robina Azizi is an advocate for education and girls' rights who established an international organization focused on promoting girls' education in Afghanistan, as well as helping refugee girls in Iran and Pakistan. 

Mihajlo Matkovic

Scotland
Youth worker and peacebuilder in Western Balkans and trainer in HRE with extensive experience in international development, peacebuilding and diplomacy.

Abdus Sobhan

Bangladesh
CSE undergraduate researcher exploring AI, Quantum Computing, and Blockchain. Microsoft Student Ambassador fostering innovation, collaboration, and youth leadership through technology and community initiatives.

Philip Afran Gaisie

Ghana
International Development Professional with 8+ years’ experience across Africa, advancing youth empowerment, and social impact through project coordination. Previous experiences with UNDP, ECOWAS and USAID.

Naabil Khan

England
Fifth-year medical student championing diversity in healthcare; podcast host, platform founder, speaker, writer, and advocate driving national impact on representation, inclusive education, and curriculum reform.

Phoebe Praill

England
A social impact leader and ICF-certified coach with 11 years’ experience supporting underrepresented young people through education, coaching and leadership development.

Naijing Guo

England
EdTech innovator with 10+ years of experience creating community and evidence based education programs. Passionate about equipping youth with digital and multidisciplinary skills for the future.

Olivier Uwishema

Rwanda
Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Medicine & Research, 2024 Diana Award recipient, global neurology researcher, founder of Oli Health Magazine Organization (OHMO), published ~200 scientific papers.

Danyal Khan

Ireland
Doctor and activist focused on supporting conflict-impacted communities. Internationally recognised for humanitarian leadership and dedicated to empowering young people through compassion, advocacy, and opportunity.

Khushi Shah

India
Education consultant from Mumbai mentoring 100+ students for global university admissions. Focused on data-driven youth development, mental health advocacy, and measurable social impact initiatives across India.

Oluwatoyosi Adeniji

England
Dr Toyosi Adeniji, Senior GP leader & innovator, champions inclusion and empowers young people through community initiatives while advancing excellence, equity, and impactful leadership across healthcare.

Tinatin Kutchukhidze

England
M.D., an Obstetrician-Gynecologist was the first-ever Georgian to receive The Diana Award, honouring Princess Diana’s legacy, in recognition of his work in health, science, humanitarian engagement, and social action. Young Investigator Award winner and a 2024 nominee for the “30 Under 30” list by Atlantic Business Magazine.  

Tshireletso Madumo

South Africa
Professional Natural Scientist and STEM mentor advancing sustainable innovation, quality education and youth empowerment. Committed to inclusivity, community wellbeing and climate-resilient solutions.

Damian  Stirrett

Nigeria
Damian Stirrett is ServiceNow’s UK and Ireland GVP and GM, with 20+ years’ technology leadership experience across Microsoft, HP, and enterprise growth and innovation leadership.

Abderrahmane Nedjadi

United States of Amercia
An investment fellow at ReachSci Venture working with early stage startups and founders to help them develop their business strategy and leading them through investment readiness stage. A startup founder and winner of RWAS Entrepreneurship Program by Misk Foundation, Saudi Arabia, for his NEXUS project.

Olivia Slatter

England
Olivia created 'Olivia's Lockdown Choir' during the Covid-19 pandemic. She successfully gained national lottery funding and kept three businesses running during the pandemic at the age of 21. After her autism diagnosis, Olivia noticed a gap in the market for a support network for people with visible and invisible disabilities. She created 'It's Olivia's World,' a support network for people with disabilities and parents. 

Ruby Lockey-Pope

England
Youth advocate championing progress in mental health, gender equality, and human rights, with experience on national advisory boards and UN agencies promoting youth empowering policy recommendations.

Malak Anougou

Morocco
Engineering student, Aspire Leaders alumna, and Hult Prize leader committed to empowering young people through innovation, creativity, and transformative leadership programs.

Kelly -D Bailey

Jamaica
International business, international relations and law professional dedicated to youth empowerment. Committed to shaping global development and preparing to begin postgraduate studies to expand my impact.

Manisha Meem Nipun

Bangladesh
Bangladeshi trans activist, UN 30 Under 30 leader and Advisor to the UN Youth Advisory Group Bangladesh, empowering marginalized youth through inclusion, leadership, and social justice.

Ally Zlatar

Canada
Ally Zlatar is an artist, youth activist, scholar and founder of The Starving Artist.

Murshidul Alam Bhuiyan

Bangladesh
Storyteller, filmmaker, and founder of Team Bertho. For 9+ years, connecting global youth to inspire change and foster empathy across cultures.

Maudlyn Akosua Awuku

England
Award-winning gender and youth advocate, with over 10 years leadership experience, Anijie Global Foundation founder, empowering 60,000+ young people in UK and Ghana through education and gender equality initiatives.

Zahidul Islam Jobair

Bangladesh
Dedicated community youth worker from Bangladesh with 5 years’ experience in mental health, climate communication, and sustainable development. Committed to inclusive education and empowering young changemakers.

Muhammad Asadullah

England
Recognised as a UK Exceptional Global Talent in digital technology and innovation. Passionate about empowering youth through mentoring and AI coaching for the future of work.

Dr Cynthia C. Umezulike

England
Award-winning human rights defender, professor and climate sustainability advocate with 15+ years advancing gender-responsive climate justice, empowering rural agrifood communities and driving transformative, inclusive change.

Nafira Nayeem Ahmad

Bangladesh
Bangladeshi activist and Founder of Amplitude, leading 35+ youth and 1,500+ volunteers, impacting 98,000+ lives. Diana Award and Legacy Award recipient recognized by HRH Princes William and Harry.

Jody Pritchard

England
Public Health Manager with 26 years’ experience in community engagement and health. Passionate about amplifying voices, sharing stories, and supporting young people to create meaningful change.

Mishal Faraz

United Arab Emirates
A Diana Award 2020 recipient, having dedicated the last decade to humanitarian and environmental advocacy. Passionate about empowering young voices and promoting a sustainable, inclusive world.

Isaac Opoku

England
A purpose-driven professional equipped with exemplary communication, relationship-building, and presentation abilities.

Dr Mumtahina Rahman

England
Educator and community youth worker in Bangladesh and the UK with over 12 years’ experience supporting young people in education. Passionate about empowering youth through skills development, mentoring, and creating opportunities that prepare the next generation for a brighter future.

Barrington Chungulo

Zambia
Systems entrepreneur and global changemaker with 7+ years’ experience advancing social entrepreneurship and innovation. Passionate about building supportive ecosystems for emerging social innovators and young leaders.

Yan Xu

United States of Amercia
Higher education leader in the U.S. with 12 years' experience supporting youth success. Passionate about empowering global youth leaders through teaching and mentoring.

Elizabeth Ogunjinmi

Dominica
Second-year medical student and CMDA President in Dominica. Volunteered in 5+ health outreaches. Passionate about quality healthcare, mentoring young girls, and raising a generation of empowered future leaders.

Frederick Featham

Greece
Frederick is an internationally-recognised multi-award-winning Anti-Bullying Campaigner, School Proprietor and Educator based in Greece. Passionate about championing youth, Fred is a dedicated advocate for young people.

Mohammad Jawid Amani

Italy
Quality education and human rights activist from Afghanistan who founded Change Makers of the World, supporting thousands of girls and empowering youth to claim rights.

Claire Anne Burchell

England
Cornwall teacher and Regional Committee Member, National Education Union Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, activist involved in the Arts and Minds campaign, Lessons from Auschwitz Ambassador and CCF volunteer, advocating youth empowerment, health resilience, climate action, and education equity

Max Amanu

Switzerland
Youth advocate championing progress in mental health, gender equality, and human rights, with experience on national advisory boards and UN agencies promoting youth empowering policy recommendations.

Manasi Gupta

India
Change Management and Business Analysis, Shell | Founder, Huesofthemind Foundation | 2x TEDx Speaker | Diana Legacy Awardee and Judge | Co-author, Hues of You | OYW Ambassador

Ranjani Rajashekaran

England
Passionate Strategic Finance Leader ensuring financial integrity for social impact organisations globally through systems and governance.

Blessing Michael

Nigeria
Founder of Tales & Treasures, advancing childhood literacy in Nigeria by providing storybooks, reading clubs, and creative support for underserved children.

Roudy Ali

Germany
Roudy Ali is an activist and 2021 Legacy Award recipient, advocating for women’s rights against violence and child marriage, empowering women through education, workshops, and social initiatives.

EUROPE

Maya Nanan

Trinidad and Tobago
Maya Nanan is a youth advocate and founder of ASFN, supporting autism awareness, inclusive education, empowerment, and community-driven change across Trinidad and Tobago.

Sathis Rajendran

Malaysia
A community youth worker in Malaysia with seven years of experience supporting and empowering students from primary school up to university level. Sathis has been actively involved in distributing food baskets to B40 communities and have served as a Project Director for several NGO-led initiatives.

Md Amimul Ehsan Khan

Japan
Leads the Awareness 360 Fellowship Programme, equipping 50k+ young leaders across 70 countries with skills, mentorship, and resources to launch grassroots social impact projects.

Wei Liang Ho

Malaysia
Liam is a multi-award-winning technologist, beVisioneers Local Ambassador for Asia/Singapore Hub, advisor to NGOs and Startups, leveraging AI for sustainability and mentoring over 1,100 youths globally.

James Nathaniel Refugio

Philippines
James Refugio is a dedicated Filipino changemaker advancing youth empowerment, environmental education, and community development through servant leadership, collaboration, and transformative grassroots initiatives for almost two decades.

Cecilia Lin

New Zealand
Award-winning New Zealand youth leader with significant Pacific regional impact, driving health-equity initiatives and community empowerment through the Pacific Sister Project.

OCEANIA

Ashley Disla Ceballo

Dominican Republic
2025 Dominican National Youth Awardee for education, engaging in 30+ initiatives across Central America and the Hispanic region, supporting youth leadership and critical thinking development.

Mahlet Mesfin

United States of Amercia
Programs Manager at Libra Philanthropies leading youth empowerment and leadership initiatives. Passionate about supporting global changemakers and supporting meaningful social impact organizations worldwide.

Cheryl Vinograd

United States of Amercia
NYC pediatrician supporting vulnerable youth through equitable care and advocacy. Experienced collaborative leader committed to inclusion, education, and the empowerment of young people.