Asian Women of Achievement Awards 2010 Shortlist Announced
21 March 2010

Rani Moorthy, Founder & Artistic Director of Rasa Productions and creator of the hilarious 'Curry Tales', Muslim comedian Shazia Mirza, cricketer Isa Guha, CNN International anchor Zain Verjee and Ramona Mehta, partner at law firm Mishcon de Reya are among the nominees shortlisted for the Asian Women of Achievement Awards 2010. Founded and chaired by Indian born author and entrepreneur Pinky Lilani OBE, and held in association with Lloyds Banking Group, the awards celebrate often unsung female icons of Asian origin and their vibrant contribution to all aspects of Britain’s multicultural society. Winners will be announced on 19 May 2010 at a glitzy awards ceremony at London's Hilton Park Lane.

AWA 2010 Shortlist

The Arts & Culture Award
Alia Bano, playwright
Shazia Mirza, comedian & writer
Rani Moorthy, founder & artistic director, Rasa Productions
The Singh Twins, Amrit & Rabindra Singh, artists

Business Woman of the Year
Tasnim Ghiawadwala, senior executive, Citi
Vimi Grewal-Carr, partner, Deloitte
Bindi Karia, VC / emerging business lead, Microsoft UK
Roma R. Khanna, president, global networks and digital initiatives, NBC Universal
Maisy Ng, managing partner, Add Partners
Farah Ramzan Golant, chief executive, AMV BBDO

Entrepreneur of the Year
Shazia Awan, director, Peachy Pink
Jayshree Davé, founder & director, Pipal Tree
Farnaz Khan, managing director, eResponse Media
Angela Malik, chef & patron, The Angela Malik School of Food and Wine
Geeta Sidhu-Robb, founder, Nosh Detox

Media Professional of the Year
Sameena Ali-Khan, main presenter, ITV Central
Razia Iqbal, correspondent, BBC News
Thalbir Kaur Shokar, corporate communications specialist, Thomson Reuters
Poonam Taneja, senior reporter, BBC Asian Network
Zain Verjee, anchor, CNN International

The Social & Humanitarian Award
Aarunima Bhatnagar, senior officer, Newham Asian Women’s Project
Neelam Farzana, psychotherapist, The Listening Service
Yasmin Halima, director, Global Campaign for Microbicides
Nisema Patel, community development worker, RedbridgeCVS
Adirupa Sengupta, international director, Common Purpose
Harsha Shukla, president, The Lancaster and Morecambe Hindu Society

Young Achiever of the Year
Ridhika Batra, director, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
Emily Benn, parliamentary candidate, The Labour Party
Bijna Dasani, principal, SSgA
Isa Guha, cricketer, The ECB
Anjali Pathak, brand ambassador, AB World Foods (Patak’s)
Bee Thakore, founder, Big on Good Solutions

Professional of the Year
Moi Ali, owner & consultant, Pink Anglia Public Relations Company
Angeli Arora, partner, Bingham McCutchen (London) LLP
Bindar Dosanjh, solicitor
Dr Zahra Jessa, optometrist, Moorfields Eye Hospital & research fellow, Anglia Ruskin University
Ramona Mehta, partner, Mishcon de Reya
Dr Saima Naveed Nayab, research and development scientist, ThermoFisher Scientific

The Public Sector Award
Shindo Barquer, chief inspector, West Midlands Police
Nikki Chawda, managing director, Foundation Housing Association
Harbens Kaur, hospital solicitor, Homerton Hospital
Dr Monica Lakhanpaul, consultant, Leicester Community Health Services & senior lecturer, University of Leicester
Dr Shehla Mohammed, consultant geneticist, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital
Eur Ing Dr Phebe Mann, lecturer, University of Reading

For information on the awards visit: www.awaawards.com