The Rt Hon. Lord Mayor of Bristol, Cllr Henry Michallat, is one of the city’s youngest Lord Mayors and the great-grandson of the inventor of the Walnut Whip. With deep family roots in Bristol, he is dedicating his mayoral year to celebrating and promoting the city’s rich arts, culture and history.

H.E. Ngolamb Ngokwey, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Kingdom, is dedicated to deepening diplomatic, cultural and economic relations between the DRC and the UK. He actively promotes cooperation, investment and development opportunities, while highlighting the DRC’s rich heritage and growing role in regional and international partnerships.

H.E. Mbelwa Kairuki, the High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Kingdom, is a distinguished diplomat committed to strengthening bilateral ties, trade, cultural exchange and investment between Tanzania and the UK. He champions collaboration, regional cooperation and development opportunities that uplift communities while showcasing Tanzania’s growing role on the global stage.

Mrs Peaches Golding OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of the City and County of Bristol, serves as His Majesty’s representative, with her foremost duty being to uphold the dignity of the Crown. She promotes harmony, civic pride and collaboration across voluntary, social, commercial and civic sectors, fostering unity and positive engagement throughout the city.

The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Gloucester 2025–26, Councillor Ashley Bowkett, has lived in Gloucester since 2011, was elected in 2019, and after a long career in international television now works in artificial intelligence. He is passionate about empowering young people and sharing his skills with the next generation.

The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Professor Bharat Pankhania, elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, has chosen “Education is Empowerment” as his mayoral theme. He emphasises education as lifelong liberation, enabling critical thinking, wisdom, human potential and service to others, reflecting the transformative role learning has played in his own life.

George Ferguson, former elected Mayor of Bristol (2012–2016), was the first independent politician to lead a major English city. An architect, urbanist and environmentalist, he founded People and Cities to promote dialogue and action around people-focused places, drawing on decades of leadership and urban design experience in the UK and internationally.

Councillor Katie Cooper, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, performs key ambassadorial roles, representing the council at civic events and chairing meetings. She looks forward to collaborating with residents and community groups, while supporting her chosen charity, Ignite Life, to raise awareness and funds for young people and families overcoming adversity.

Vanessa Moon BSc (Hons), Founding Director of Moon Executive Search, has over 25 years’ senior management and board-level recruitment experience. She co-founded the firm in 2000 to restore a personal, values-led approach. In 2018 she received an Honorary Doctorate from UWE Bristol for her contribution to enterprise and community development.

Councillor Natalie Field, Mayor of Bradley Stoke Town Council, serves as civic head and chairs council meetings. She represents the town, promoting its welfare and recognising contributions from individuals and groups. Her chosen charities for 2025/26 are Diabetes UK, The Brightwell Centre, and Mamas Bristol, supporting health, community, and family causes.

Councillor Aziz Chowdhury, Mayor of Yate Town Council, has lived in Yate for over 40 years and, with his wife, raised their family locally. A prominent businessman and restaurateur, he has devoted more than 12 years to serving the community as a councillor, championing local development and civic engagement.

Sue Mountstevens OBE, Chair of Trustees at Quartet Community Foundation, is the former Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon & Somerset. With experience as an independent board member, magistrate, HR professional, and family business director, Sue brings extensive leadership expertise and a lifelong commitment to community service and public engagement.

Cllr Ian Boulton, Co-Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, Councillor for Staple Hill and Mangotsfield, and Chair of the South Glos LGBT+ Equality Network, was one of the very first civic leaders to join us as a guest at the inaugural MTM Awards in 2012.

This year, our Season 13 finalists and international guests joining us include:

From Kenya:

• Abdul Hussein Ali
• Abdullahi Mahamed Ali (representing SSAID)
• Abdulkarim Sheikh – MTM Brand Ambassador, Period Poverty Action Project (coordinated in Mombasa by Huris Foundation led by Maryam Abubakar)
• Salama Ngalae
• Kiki Tha Blogger
• Rafae Brown
• Motivated Mindset Dancers Kenya
• Kisumu Environmental Champions
• Don’tHideMe (Kenya)

From Tanzania:

• Shadya Kitengee
• Sanamare Organisation TZ
• Ujamaa Foundation TZ

From South Africa:

• Sandra Naidoo
• The Winnie Mabaso Foundation

From Eswatini (First time finalist):

• Moore Ngwenya

From Somaliland:
Somaliland has consistently sent participants since 2015, and this season is no different. We are honoured to welcome the following esteemed guests:

• Mohamed Yusuf Nour
• Khalid Adan Abdi
• Abdiqani Mohamed Abdillahi
• Fahmi Isse Yusuf
• Mohamed Abib Osman
• Abdisamad Daher Said
• Mohamed Iman Ismail

Bristol enjoys a thriving Somaliland community, and the MTM Awards have become a platform where people, leaders and senior government officials can connect, celebrate, and build stronger ties.

Meet & Greet

All international guests are invited to a special Meet & Greet on the afternoon of November 30th at Delta Hotels.

Our cherished annual supporters Jayne Awaino and Elizabeth Ngote from Rapunzels Hair Academy, Nairobi, Kenya, will also be in attendance.

On behalf of the Directors, Management, Judging Panel, Delta Hotels, and our Founder,
we warmly welcome all our local, regional, national, and international participants to the MTM Awards Season 13.

To all our dignitaries — thank you for your continued support.

Junior Sheikh
CEO, MTM Awards
22-10-2025