22/08/2026
Meet five of our incredible 2026 National Diversity Awards shortlisted nominees!
Today, we're shining a spotlight on five remarkable individuals creating meaningful change across the UK and beyond...
Mark Cusack | Positive Role Model: LGBT
Author, lecturer and advocate Mark supports people with complex, fluid and https://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/awards-2026/shortlist/ sexuality and gender. Through Not Defining, their work has reached millions, championing understanding, visibility and q***r joy.
Aysha Bosher | Positive Role Model: Gender
Founder of Rosebuds Sisters, Aysha has grown a local Muslim women's circle into a movement of 10,000+ women, creating spaces for connection, empowerment and leadership.
Zara Beth | Positive Role Model: Disability
Author, creator and disability advocate Zara uses her 2.5m+ platform to challenge misconceptions around Tourette's, FND, autism, chronic illness and accessibility.
Everton Sutherland-Adebiyi | Positive Role Model: Age
Entrepreneur and community advocate Everton champions care-experienced people, mentors young men and challenges inequality while showing the next generation what's possible.
Dr Lisa Cherry | Lifetime Achiever Award
With 35+ years' experience, Lisa has dedicated her career to systemic, trauma-informed change, training more than 35,000 professionals worldwide.
Five people. Five extraordinary stories. Five well-deserved places on the NDA 2026 shortlist!
Join us in congratulating Mark, Aysha, Zara, Everton and Lisa!
Read their full bios and discover all our shortlisted nominees:
https://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/awards-2026/shortlist/
Want to celebrate them in person? Book your NDA 2026 tickets today!
https://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/tickets/