Business | 27 Oct 2024
By MeetKeyPeople
Nusrat Mehboob Lilani, known as Pinky Lilani, moved to the UK in 1978, where she earned diplomas in Management Studies and Marketing. In 1999, she founded the Asian Women of Achievement Awards to celebrate the accomplishments of Asian women in Britain. Later, in 2006, she established the Women of the Future Awards, which includes a mentorship program connecting award winners with sixth-form students. Cherie Blair, spouse of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, is the patron of both awards.
Lilani has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career. In 2013, she was recognized as one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK by BBC Radio 4, and in 2014, she was named one of GQ's most connected women. Additionally, in 2009, The Times and Emel magazine named her one of the 30 most powerful Muslim women in Britain. For her impactful contributions to charity and women in business, Lilani was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2007 and elevated to Commander (CBE) in 2015. More recently, she was the subject of a full article in Forbes by Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj.
MeetKeyPeople: Hello Pinky, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today.
Pinky: No problem.
MeetKeyPeople: First of all, how did you come up with the idea of founding the Asian Women of Achievement Awards?
Pinky: I witnessed Asian women not being recognized. They were always told that men would be doing everything, and they wouldn’t get any recognition. That’s why I told myself, if we recognize Asian women and give them awards, it will build up their confidence, make them believe in themselves, and help others believe in them too. They can then start any journey in life.
MeetKeyPeople: Amazing! What was your first step toward founding the AWA Awards? How did you transition from an idea to making it a reality?
Pinky: Well, in the beginning, it was about getting people nominated, getting people to come to the first dinner, and paying for it. You know, these things cost money, so everyone paid to come to the dinner. In the first year, everybody told me I should invite the Prime Minister's wife, Cherie Blair. So, I actually got in touch with Downing Street to ask if she would like to come, as we were holding these awards to recognize women. And she agreed to come, even though I didn’t know her prior to this. We were very lucky because Mrs. Blair came to our first awards, and she has been our supporter ever since. That’s how we managed to grow bigger and bigger. It’s all about having the right conversations and opening the right doors.
MeetKeyPeople: Yes, you’re right, it’s all about trying. Nothing to lose.
Pinky: Yes, there’s nothing to lose, so have the confidence. Some people will say no, but keep knocking on doors. Somebody will open it. Maybe after 20 "no’s", one will say yes.