Reflections from the No. 1 Spot on the Disability Power 100 and Chair of Judges

Named No. 1 in the Disability Power 100 2023 list, Dr Shani Dhanda joined us this year to take on the role as Chair of Judges. She reflects on how it felt to be recognised as the UK’s most influential disabled person, and what her experience was like as Chair of Judges – a harder task than judging the BAFTA’s according to Shani!

Being recognised as No. 1 on the Disability Power 100 was utterly unexpected. It’s one thing to be acknowledged for your work, but when that recognition comes from your own community, it carries profound weight. Achieving this position is both humbling and significant, particularly as the first person from the global majority to receive this honour.

This accolade reflects personal achievement and serves as a milestone for individuals from historically excluded backgrounds, underscoring the importance of visibility in spaces where diversity has often been lacking. It offers encouragement to those who have been marginalised or feel unsure about their role in society. It serves as a reminder that their contributions are valuable and highlights that everyone has a place in the larger story of progress and change.

This recognition also highlights the ongoing need for inclusivity within our communities, reminding us that each achievement, especially firsts, can pave the way for others. It challenges the status quo in
a world where power dynamics often favour a select few, encouraging individuals to believe that their contributions matter and that they, too, can be leaders.

Celebrating this moment prompts us to reflect on the journey ahead, inspiring efforts to uplift voices from all backgrounds. Yet, this honour also comes with a substantial responsibility. I believe occupying a position of influence means little unless you’re committed to using it for good, even when it feels uncomfortable or difficult.

Serving as Chair of Judges was an insightful experience. I’ve judged and chaired many different awards, including the BAFTA awards twice, but this was significantly more challenging. The judges deliberated for
days to honour our community’s true diversity and talent. Each shortlisted individual—from activists to entrepreneurs and artists—makes a unique and lasting impact. Choosing just 100 people was formidable, yet it serves as a tribute to our accomplishments and the rich tapestry of our community.

To ensure our judging panel is representative, we made a concerted effort to include diverse voices. This allowed us to approach the nominations with broader perspectives, fostering discussions that highlight our community. We recognise the need for continuous improvement and plan to revise our guidance for judges to enhance understanding of bias, intersectionality, and fair consideration for all nominees.

As part of our commitment to inclusivity, we aim to host a webinar before the judging process to address bias and empower judges with informed perspectives. Additionally, we are dedicated to collecting and
publishing demographic data about our finalists each year. This transparency will help us monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.

Collaboration is key to amplifying underrepresented voices. By working with partners, we aim to encourage nominations from historically overlooked groups, ensuring everyone feels empowered to participate and that all contributions are recognised.

The Power 100 highlights the remarkable contributions of individuals making a difference in their fields and within society. To those who weren’t shortlisted this year, please know that your efforts are valued
just as deeply. Every one of you is making a difference in your own way, and the journey towards change and justice is collective.

While we believe in progress over perfection, we are always looking for ways to improve. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please let us know. Together, we can build a community that champions diversity and uplifts one another.