About The PRECIOUS Awards
“All too often, especially when we’re in a minority in the institution, the work that we do isn’t recognised. We go unnoticed, until we do something wrong. For someone to say ‘I see you, and I recognise the work that you’re doing’, really gives me strength. It makes me feel as if I’m doing something very right.”
Professor Marcia Wilson, former PRECIOUS Awards winner
Our story
The PRECIOUS Awards were launched in 2008 by writer and editor Foluke Akinlose MBE (pictured).
Frustrated at constantly being invited to awards ceremonies championing women and never seeing women of colour, she set about launching an awards programme that would put the spotlight firmly on women of colour entrepreneurs and leaders.
The PRECIOUS Awards have now acknowledged the achievements of hundreds of women and have involved into a movement and community intent on making visible the trailblazing, change-making women of colour across the UK. They’re more than just accolades – they’re a platform to honour the brilliance, resilience and innovation of women of colour.
Our partners
We’re proud to have worked with a range of like-minded partners, including Santander, the House of Commons, UNLTD, Credit Suisse, EY and Brand by Me, to bring these success stories to light.
Our judges
Adonica Mansfield
Owen Valentine Pringle
Salema Gulbahar
Bilal Hilton-Leigh
Elias Westerdahl
Sabien Kahn
Nancy Kacungira
Hannah Reid