Celebrating our G15 Ethnicity in Housing Awards winners
SNG colleagues and community partners have been recognised at this year's G15 Ethnicity in Housing Awards, with two category wins and a further seven finalists shortlisted.
Held at County Hall in London, the awards celebrate individuals and groups making a significant contribution to inclusion, equality and positive change across London's leading housing associations.
SNG received 22 nominations across nine categories, reflecting the passion, commitment and positive impact being made by colleagues and community partners across the organisation and the communities we serve.
Nine SNG finalists recognised
Following the judging process, nine SNG colleagues and community partners were shortlisted as finalists:
- Kirti Karsan – Colleague Resident Focus Award
- Cameron Anterkyi – Outstanding Achievement Award
- Vanessa Hewitt – Supportive Colleague Award (Winner)
- Tabs Yirmenji – One to Watch – Future Leaders Award
- Anita Hepplewhite – Ethnicity Ally Award (Winner)
- Nadia Opoku-Addo – Inspirational Leader Award
- FRESH Network – Race Network Group Colleague Award
- Princess Fortes – Resident Award
- Beat the Block, Breakthrough Project – Resident or Community Group of the Year Award
The finalists represented a diverse range of achievements, from championing equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace to supporting customers, colleagues and local communities.
Anita Hepplewhite wins Ethnicity Ally Award
Anita Hepplewhite was named winner of the Ethnicity Ally Award, with judges describing her as a "powerhouse" whose commitment to allyship has translated into meaningful and lasting action.
Anita has played a leading role in strengthening equality, diversity and inclusion at SNG, including supporting the development of the organisation's first EDI survey and reciprocal mentoring programme. She has also helped bring colleague networks together and championed intersectionality, ensuring different voices, experiences and perspectives are represented and heard.
Vanessa Hewitt wins Supportive Colleague Award
Vanessa Hewitt received the Supportive Colleague Award in recognition of the compassion, courage and allyship she demonstrated while supporting a colleague who experienced racial discrimination.
Her nomination highlighted how she listened without judgement, ensured the colleague felt heard and supported, encouraged them to speak up and remained by their side throughout the process. Judges also praised her wider contribution to SNG through the mentoring, guidance and encouragement she provides to colleagues across the organisation.
The recognition received by SNG colleagues and community partners reflects the organisation's ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive culture where colleagues, customers and communities can thrive.
Congratulations to Anita and Vanessa on their well-deserved awards, and to all SNG finalists whose dedication and leadership helped secure recognition at this year's G15 Ethnicity in Housing Awards.