Empower Gala 2024, a prestigious event celebrating cultural, business excellence and community leadership, took place at the Ashford International Hotel, bringing together influential leaders and change makers from across Kent and beyond. This year’s gala invited guests to embrace their cultural roots whilst fostering connections, collaborations and partnerships.
Empower Gala’s vision is to create a platform that not only celebrates individual achievements but also fosters meaningful connections, igniting real change in communities and industries. The mission is to recognise and elevate individuals and organisations that embody excellence, innovation, and leadership, while aligning with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
The gala highlights the importance of creating partnerships across sectors and cultures, contributing to sustainable development while building a more inclusive and impactful future.
The event was attended by a distinguished list of guests, including HM Lieutenancy of Kent, The Mayor of Ashford, and leaders from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB Kent), the Breakthrough Women Network, the Institute of Directors (IOD Kent), and The Mindsight Women’s Network. The event was supported by its Sponsors and Partners: Blessing by Blé, Knowledge Incorporated, Kent Community Foundation, Brevity Anderson, Ashford Borough Council, FSB Kent and AJE1.
Welcome remarks were delivered by key stakeholders:
Mrs Susie Warran-Smith, CBE DL, representing the HM Lieutenancy of Kent, and a respected Non-Executive Director of HMRC and The British Library
The Worshipful, The Mayor of Ashford, Councillor Lyn Suddards
Dr. Isaac Enakimio, CEO, Knowledge Incorporated
Dr. Blessing Enakimio, CEO, Blé Global
The keynote address was delivered by Emerald Ace-Acquah, a Consultant at Bain & Company, who shared insights on how one’s journey was part of “The Plan” that can ignite transformative partnerships and create lasting impact.
Anchors for the evening were Chelsea Little, kmfm breakfast show host, and Mr. Cee, while Kent’s Uzambezi Arts Performers provided vibrant cultural entertainment, representing the rich diversity celebrated at the gala.
At the heart of Empower Gala is the celebration of ACCESS, a principle highlighted by the Event Director – Dr. Blessing Enakimio in her welcome remarks, which focused on how access empowers connections, fosters partnerships and ignites global possibilities. She encouraged attendees to embrace diversity and take bold actions that create ripples of impact, aligning with the gala’s commitment to SDGs 8, 10, and 17.
This year’s Empower Gala Award Winners demonstrated excellence in their respective fields and are recognised for driving positive change in their communities and industries:
Empower Gala, hosted annually, has grown into a prestigious platform that showcases the achievements of remarkable individuals and organisations while fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment. This year’s event underscored the importance of embracing diversity as a source of strength and innovation, reflecting the gala’s alignment with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
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