DiNN CEO Bayo Adelaja Honoured with MBE
In a world often overshadowed by challenges, it's essential to acknowledge individuals who excel in their work to uplift others, dismantle barriers, and pave the way for a brighter future. Today, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Do it Now Now Founder and CEO, Bayo Adelaja, on being awarded the prestigious MBE for her outstanding services to social mobility, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship.
In conjoined congratulations for receiving the MBE, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan shared the following of Bayo and the work of Do it Now Now:
“I am aware your organisation has done so much to encourage Black led entrepreneurship, social action and social enterprise all over London. Black led charities have so much to offer Londoners and I know they face an environment that is extremely challenging in terms of funding, structural inequalities and huge rises in demand. Your recent research highlights these issues in a very timely way.”
Bayo exemplifies commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those around her. Through her unwavering efforts, she has dedicated her work to making others’ paths significantly easier. She has continually fought to break down systemic barriers and create opportunities for Black communities and their leaders to thrive.
Her unwavering belief in the power of equipping people and organisations with the skills, tools, and resources they need, has empowered whole communities and given organisations the language and research to call for the support and engagement needed to rectify power imbalances in the sector.
Through innovative initiatives and advocacy efforts, Bayo has championed the cause of financial literacy and empowerment for Black leaders as well as ensuring people within the LGBTQIA+ community have the resources to build themselves a secure and prosperous future.
When Bayo started Do it Now Now in 2016, her aim was to nurture a social enterprise that would become the Black community's foremost champion, enabling the systemic development and co-production of equitable opportunities and outcomes for Black people. As many leaders know, sometimes it can be hard to separate the Founder from the organisation, and DiNN has benefitted from Bayo’s attentive and user-focused approach which is now threaded throughout DiNN’s DNA and the impact of the work we do.
Her humility and integrity even reach into the request that this article is based more on the work of DiNN than her, however, the work of DiNN is the work of Bayo Adelaja.
In celebrating Bayo, we can reflect on the broader significance of this achievement and its ability to encourage any person who identifies with the struggle to achieve socially-driven goals, particularly as a Black woman in the UK.
Bayo’s work reminds us that, even in the face of daunting challenges, there is always hope and possibility. While there is still so much to be done to create an equitable world for all, let us not shy away from moments of joy and celebration.
