Anti-racism campaigner Usha Ladwa-Thomas, a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Cardiff University, has won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ethnic Minority Welsh Women Achievement Association.
A key architect and advisor on the Welsh Government's Anti-racist Action Plan, and also a freelance consultant and trainer, Usha has joined SPARK – Cardiff University's social science research park, which develops innovative solutions to societal problems through collaborative research activity.
"By working with SPARK, I feel like I am only just starting on my second career in terms of making a difference," said Usha. "I have been heavily involved in shaping the Welsh Government's Anti-Racist Plan for Wales and using co-production and lived experiences at the heart of the work".
"I am drawing on that experience to support SPARK be an anti-racist community. And as a member of the SPARK Strategic Advisory Group, I am providing independent advice, challenge and leadership support to Professor Chris Taylor, the Academic Director for SPARK. The support is wider than on anti-racism."
SPARK Director, Professor Chris Taylor said: "We're delighted to have Usha working with us in SPARK. Her work on leadership development in Wales, and internationally with NGOs in Africa and India, together with her work as an equalities coach and trainer, lend SPARK the power to shape an anti-racism future for our community and for Wales more generally."
As a Distinguished Visiting Fellow in Cardiff University Usha-Ladwa Thomas is also conducting research on the co-development of the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan, putting the lived experience of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities at its centre, interviewing stakeholders to refine the policy-making process.
Usha recently addressed a Public Leaders' Summit on anti-racism, citing specific examples of anti-racist behaviour. She will continue to build University links with the Welsh Government's Race Equality Evidence Unit and connected organisations.
Usha was delighted to be recognised for her contributions over the years. And, as she said, "more so because it came from ethnic minority women who recognised my work as improving the life chances of the next generation."
