OBV graduate nominated for unique diversity award

Councillor Sanchia Alasia, a graduate of OBV’s Parliamentary Shadowing Scheme, has been recognised for helping to drive the equality and diversity agenda forward. Alasia has been shortlisted out of 70 candidates for the 2nd Grassroot Diplomat Initiative Award which will be held in April 2014.

The award recognises UK-based politicians and diplomats who are representing civilian interests at the highest level in areas of policy, social and business overall. The councillor has been a fantastic advocate in pushing for equality and diversity throughout her career and continues to promote this important policy agenda in all areas of her work. Her fervour for the subject stemmed from her time at university where as a member of the NUS Black Students Committee, she lobbied Ministers in providing part-time students equal rights equivalent to what full time students received.

Alasia then moved onto Transport for London and Queen Mary University where she introduced the celebration of Black History Month, International Women’s Month and LGBT Awareness Month to shed light on how these areas require attention and better policy integration.

The Barking and Dagenham Councillor notes that advances have been made when legislation is developed in the areas of diversity, but there is still a lack of Black and Asian minorities in more senior positions in all areas. Nonetheless, Cllr Alasia successfully won her position in May 2010 by unseating Robert Bailey, the London regional coordinator for the British National Party, to become the youngest woman on the council.

The Grassroots Diplomat awards will take place in London in April 2014 and all at OBV want to congratulate Cllr Alasia and all the nominees for their outstanding work in bringing about positive change.

Francine Fernandes