Rising Star alumni, Joanne Monck has been awarded an OBE in the 2021 New Years Honours List.
Joanne was awarded her OBE for Services to Transgender Equality. Joanne is a Stonewall Schools Role Model and National Diversity Mentor, who works voluntarily as a hate crime ambassador for Sussex Police. Joanne won a Rising Star in Diversity Award in 2020.
The Honours List also recognised Vivienne Artz, who won the Rising Star Editor’s Choice Award in 2019. Artz, Chief Privacy Officer, Refinitiv and President, Women in Banking and Finance received an OBE for services to Financial Services and to Gender Diversity.
This New Year Honours List demonstrates the incredible efforts of hundreds of public sector and community workers throughout 2020 and beyond.
In a year that has truly tested the resolve and determination of those on the frontline, the New Year Honours List includes 1,239 recipients, recognised for their extraordinary contributions in all four nations of the United Kingdom.
Public sector workers make up 14.8 per cent of the list and include firefighters, medical professionals, teachers, police officers and local government workers – all of whom are being recognised for making a huge individual impact, and in particular in the response to COVID-19.
This Honours List highlights how Britain’s business sector has stepped up to deliver for the country during COVID-19. From small business owners diverting their resources or changing business models to support the response effort to supermarket workers making sure all their vulnerable customers were stocked up with essential items – this Honours List showcases 111 recipients (nine per cent) being recognised for services to business and the economy.
Publican Caroline Halfhide, aged 51 from Ash in Somerset receives MBE for changing her pub into a village shop for residents to drastically minimise the need for travel to nearby towns for food and essentials.
Founder and CEO of Pembrokeshire Frame, Jennifer Sims, 76 years old, receives the BEM for launching #Bagsofcare Community Fridge Free Bags Scheme, providing hot meals and free bags of food to the vulnerable, the elderly and those struggling financially due to the pandemic.
The majority of awards are for the contributions people have made in their communities. Of those receiving an award, 65 per cent are recognised for their community work.
The 2021 New Years Honours List features 603 women, representing 49 per cent of the total. This year’s list is also the most ethnically diverse honours list yet, with 14.2 per cent of recipients coming from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background. Formula 1 champion, Lewis Hamilton is to receive a knighthood; award-winning coach, Jenny Garrett, who won a Rising Star Entrepreneur award in 2017, has received an OBE for Services to Entrepreneurship and Women in Business; make-up artist Pat McGrath has been awarded a Damehood; singer Craig David has been awarded an MBE; and the youngest recipient, 20-year-old Samah Khalil, the Youth Mayor of Oldham, receives a BEM.
Speaking about the list, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “In a year when so many have made sacrifices to protect our NHS and save people’s lives, the outstanding efforts of those receiving honours today are a welcome reminder of the strength of human spirit, and of what can be achieved through courage and compassion.”
“The 2021 New Year Honours offer us an opportunity to salute their dedication and recognise many who have gone above and beyond in their contribution to our country.”
“As we begin a new year and continue to come together to fight this virus, may their service and stories be an inspiration to us all.”
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