What is the Stereotype Buster award for?
This category celebrates those who do things their way and proves that narrow stereotypes cannot adequately describe the human experience.
The winners are people who motivate others, simply by being their authentic selves, to challenge mainstream perceptions of gender, class, race, sexuality, disability, or any societal norm.
Who will YOU nominate in 2025?
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Stereotype Buster Award 2024
Congratulations to the Neuro-Champions…
Geethanjali Ganapathy is a remarkable individual who defies many stereotypes. In 2021, she co-founded Orchvate to create a supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals seeking employment. The unemployment rate in India for ND people is extremely high & there are many barriers to accessing higher education. Part of Orchvates’ success has been identifying unique opportunities for neurodivergent candidates such as their work training AI. As Geethanjali herself says “AI without diversity perpetuates human bias”.
Josh Hughes is a well-known TikTok & Instagram influencer who has gained a large following over the last couple of years. He goes by ’The Tourettes Barber’ & uses his platform to challenge the stereotypes about Tourette Syndrome, whilst spreading awareness about his challenges, including a campaign for Tourettes Action & collaboration with the BBC. Josh has created his own barber business & has been a huge support to other individuals with TS despite having his own struggles.
Natasha Trotman is a neurodivergent & disabled artist & an activist at heart. Changing the word in a variety of way as an, Equalities Designer with a background in Inclusive Design & Information Experience Design, to name but some of her broad set of skills. She has delivered groundbreaking work undeterred by formidable intersecting barriers, & continues to challenge perceptions through her practice. Natasha is a Co-chair for the UN’s international Disabilities & Intersectionalities Group. Working across sectors, embedding inclusive practice & policy at grassroots level & beyond.
Niall Guite is a Special Olympics GB Athlete known for making beautiful drawings of sports stadiums. He has a dual diagnosis of Autism & ID, he is also dyslexic & dyspraxic. Niall started making drawings during lockdown & quickly picked up some celebrity fans. He now sells his work to raise money for the Special Olympics a charity that helps people with Intellectual disabilities participate in a variety of sports (Niall is a gold medalist). Niall gave a Ted talk last year about his experiences.
Daley Jones is a Detective Constable in the Metropolitan Police. He was diagnosed with ADHD in 2021 & then DCD in 2022. Since then Daley has founded, & co-chaired the ADHD Alliance, a national support group for Police officers and staff with ADHD. Daley is passionate about improving the lives of neurodivergent people both within the police force and for people who come into contact with the criminal justice system.
