Introducing Dorset Ethnic Heroes Awards: A New Chapter
The Dorset Ethnic Heroes Awards (DEHA) marks an exciting new chapter in a journey that began with the Dorset Ethnic Minority Awards (DEMA) in 2018 and 2019. While the name has evolved, our purpose remains exactly the same: to celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of ethnic minority individuals, organisations and businesses across Dorset.
This rebrand is rooted in continuity, not change of direction. DEHA carries forward the same values, same ethos and same commitment to recognition, inclusion and community pride. What is new is our language—and language matters. By choosing the word “Heroes,” we are placing leadership, impact and achievement at the heart of the story.
Across Dorset, around 40,000 people from ethnic minority backgrounds are contributing to the social, cultural and economic life of our county. They are business owners creating jobs, educators raising aspiration, healthcare workers supporting families, artists enriching public life, and volunteers strengthening communities every day. DEHA exists to ensure these contributions are seen, valued and celebrated.
The idea of a “hero” is not reserved for celebrities or public figures. In our context, heroes are the people who show up consistently, who lead with purpose, and who make life better for others. Some build enterprises that create opportunities. Others mentor young people, organise community support, or innovate in services that improve wellbeing. Many do this work quietly, without expecting recognition.
By spotlighting these stories, DEHA helps challenge outdated stereotypes and replace them with truthful, inspiring narratives about leadership and contribution. Recognition has power. It validates hard work, builds confidence, encourages participation, and helps future generations see what is possible.
DEHA is also about connection. Awards programmes bring together people from different sectors and backgrounds—community leaders, businesses, sponsors, educators, healthcare professionals, creatives and residents. These connections can become partnerships, mentorships and new opportunities that continue long after awards night.
Our leadership team remains committed to this mission. CEO Nanzy Sebata, Lead Juror Sarah Ali Choudhury and CCO Angela Akrata continue to champion an inclusive, credible and values-led platform for Dorset. Their shared focus is to ensure the awards are not only celebratory, but also meaningful, fair and community-centred.
The categories have been designed to reflect the breadth of contribution across the county—from Business Hero of the Year and Community Hero of the Year to Innovation & Technology Hero and Lifetime Achievement Award. Each category is an invitation to recognise excellence in all its forms.
If you have ever said, “Someone should recognise what this person is doing,” this is your opportunity. Nominating a hero is a simple but powerful act. It says: your work matters, your impact is real, and your community sees you.
For local organisations, DEHA also presents an opportunity to support a trusted Dorset diversity celebration through sponsorship and partnership. Sponsors do more than place logos; they actively invest in social inclusion, representation and a stronger civic culture.
As we open this new chapter, we invite everyone across Dorset—Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Weymouth and beyond—to be part of it. Nominate a hero. Sponsor the awards. Attend the ceremony. Share the stories.
DEHA is more than an event. It is a movement of recognition, pride and possibility. The name may be new, but the mission is enduring: celebrate contribution, uplift communities and honour the heroes among us.
Why Representation Matters: Celebrating Dorset’s Ethnic Heroes
Representation is often discussed as a concept, but in everyday life it is deeply practical. It influences who feels visible, who feels valued, and who believes they belong. In workplaces, schools, public services and local leadership spaces, representation shapes confidence, aspiration and outcomes.
In Dorset, ethnic minority communities form around 5% of the population—approximately 40,000 people. These residents contribute to every part of county life: business growth, education, health and social care, culture, sport, technology, volunteering and civic engagement. Yet contribution does not always translate into visibility. Too often, important work goes unrecognised.
That is why platforms like the Dorset Ethnic Heroes Awards (DEHA) are essential. Recognition is not symbolic alone; it is structural. It helps ensure that people who create value for others are acknowledged in public, not just in private circles. It widens the stories that communities tell about who leads, who succeeds and who makes a difference.
When people see role models who share aspects of their identity, experience or background, the impact can be profound. A young person may imagine a career they had never considered. A new entrepreneur may feel encouraged to scale their vision. A volunteer may feel seen and motivated to continue. Representation creates permission to aspire.
Equally, representation benefits the wider community. It helps challenge stereotypes by replacing assumptions with evidence of leadership, innovation and service. It strengthens social cohesion by highlighting shared values: hard work, care for others, creativity, responsibility and ambition. In this way, representation is not about division—it is about building a fuller, fairer understanding of who we are as a county.
The language we use also matters. DEHA’s move from “minority” to “heroes” is intentional and empowering. “Heroes” is not about exaggeration. It is about acknowledging tangible contribution. It positions people in terms of capability, commitment and impact. This strength-based framing helps shift the conversation from limitation to leadership.
Consider the many forms of heroism visible in Dorset: a business founder creating apprenticeships and mentoring young talent; a healthcare worker providing culturally responsive support to families; an educator closing attainment gaps through inclusive teaching; a community organiser coordinating food, advice and wellbeing support; an artist creating work that fosters dialogue, pride and belonging; and a volunteer giving time every week to improve local lives.
These contributions are not peripheral. They are central to Dorset’s progress. They help local economies grow, public services improve and communities stay resilient.
Recognition programmes also generate momentum. Once a story is shared, others are inspired to act. One nomination becomes ten. One sponsor becomes a coalition. One awards night becomes year-round collaboration. In this sense, representation is not a static outcome—it is a catalyst.
For organisations, supporting representation is increasingly aligned with values, reputation and performance. Inclusive organisations tend to attract broader talent, build stronger trust with customers and communities, and make better decisions through diverse perspectives. Supporting diversity awards Dorset initiatives is therefore both socially meaningful and strategically smart.
For schools and youth services, celebrating role models can transform local aspiration. Young people need to see that success has many pathways—and that leadership can look like enterprise, public service, creativity, care, advocacy or innovation. Showcasing Dorset ethnic heroes helps normalise excellence and widen ambition.
For communities, recognition builds pride. It reminds people that their efforts are noticed. It validates often unseen labour and encourages intergenerational continuity—where one generation’s leadership becomes the next generation’s foundation.
Importantly, representation must be credible. That means transparent nomination processes, robust judging, conflict-of-interest safeguards and clear criteria. DEHA’s judging framework includes research, qualification validation, structured scoring and impact assessment to ensure recognition is fair, meaningful and trusted.
Representation is also local. While national conversations matter, local platforms can respond to local realities. Dorset has its own strengths, challenges and opportunities. Celebrating contribution in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Weymouth and surrounding areas makes recognition tangible and relevant. It says: impact here matters.
In the years ahead, the goal is not only to host successful events, but to nurture a culture of ongoing recognition and connection. Awards can be a focal point, but the broader mission is year-round: amplify positive stories, foster partnerships, support inclusive leadership and encourage shared progress.
Everyone has a role in this. You can nominate someone whose contribution deserves wider recognition. You can sponsor the platform and help it grow. You can attend events, share stories and champion inclusive leadership in your own networks.
Representation matters because people matter. Visibility matters because dignity matters. Recognition matters because contribution matters.
DEHA exists to honour all three—through a Dorset diversity celebration that is hopeful, practical and rooted in real achievement. By celebrating ethnic heroes, we are not only applauding individual success; we are investing in the kind of county we want to build together.
How to Nominate a Hero in Your Community
Nominating someone for the Dorset Ethnic Heroes Awards (DEHA) is one of the most meaningful ways to recognise the people creating positive change in our county. Whether your nominee is a business leader, volunteer, educator, healthcare professional, artist or young changemaker, your nomination can help bring their impact into the spotlight.
If you have never written a nomination before, do not worry. A strong nomination is not about polished language—it is about clear, specific evidence of contribution.
Step 1: Choose the Right Category
Start by selecting the category that best reflects your nominee’s contribution. Review the category descriptions and eligibility criteria carefully. If your nominee’s impact spans multiple areas, you may submit in more than one category where appropriate.
Step 2: Gather the Core Facts
Before writing, collect key information: full name and contact details of nominee, organisation (if relevant), role/title, location and area of impact in Dorset, and time period of contribution.
Step 3: Describe What They Have Done
Focus on actions, not just qualities. Instead of saying “they are amazing,” explain what they did: what initiative they led, who benefited, what changed, and over what period.
Step 4: Show the Impact
Impact is the heart of a winning nomination. Include evidence where possible: numbers, outcomes and short testimonials from beneficiaries, colleagues or community leaders.
Step 5: Explain Why They Are a Hero
DEHA uses hero language intentionally. A hero is someone whose contribution uplifts others. Explain whether they inspire, overcome barriers to serve others, or create long-term change.
Step 6: Check Eligibility and Deadlines
Confirm that your nominee meets all eligibility requirements and submit before the closing date. Late submissions may not be accepted.
Step 7: Review Before Submission
Take five minutes to check clarity, examples, details and accuracy. A well-structured nomination helps judges assess fairly and confidently.
Common Questions
Can I nominate a friend or colleague? Yes.
Can I submit more than one nomination? Yes.
Is there a nomination fee? No, nominations are free.
Can I nominate myself? Yes, where category rules allow.
Many heroes do not seek recognition—but they deserve it. Your nomination helps ensure that the people improving life in Dorset are seen, celebrated and remembered.
DEHA