Bernie Davies Honoured with Invitation to 10 Downing Street by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Recognition of Her Leadership in Entrepreneurship and Diversity Advocacy

On 9th October 2024, Bernie Davies, the pioneering Founder of the Mastering Diversity Conference Wales, was invited to 10 Downing Street by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. This prestigious invitation recognizes Bernie’s exceptional work in entrepreneurship and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), underscoring her impact on advancing inclusion and innovation across Wales and the UK.

A tireless advocate for diversity and empowerment, Bernie Davies has championed marginalized communities— beyond gender and ethnicity—through her leadership of Mastering Diversity CIC. Her efforts have received tranformative support from the Welsh Government, prominent businesses like NatWest, Deloitte, Browne Jacobson, Hugh James, OGI, Commonwealth Games Team Wales, Bevan Buckland LLP, Toni Clarkstone Global, and organizations such as FinTech Wales, Scouts Cymru, Wales Ambulance Services University Trust, Velindre Oncology Academy, S4C, Positive Imprint, Welsh Rugby Union, Cardiff Life and WCS Agency, making DEI a strategic priority across multiple sectors.

Bernie’s invitation to 10 Downing Street is a testament to her leadership in building bridges between communities, businesses, and policymakers, ensuring that the benefits of diversity are recognized and embedded in the fabric of society. Through initiatives like the Mastering Diversity Conference and the Bi-Annual Awards, Bernie has elevated DEI conversations to the national stage, celebrating individuals and organizations who are actively driving positive change.

Reflecting on her recognition, Bernie Davies said:

“Being invited to 10 Downing Street by the Prime Minister is a huge honour and a significant milestone in my journey to promote diversity and entrepreneurship. This moment reinforces the importance of collaboration—across government, business, and communities—in creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. I look forward to continuing this work and deepening our partnerships to ensure that diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the progress we make in Wales and beyond.”

At the core of Bernie’s success is her commitment to collaboration. Under her leadership, Mastering Diversity CIC has formed strategic partnerships that span industries and sectors, uniting key stakeholders to promote DEI across the UK. Her mantra of leveraging partnerships to drive systemic change is reflected in collaborations with Tramshed Tech, FinTech Wales, and a range of academic and professional organizations, establishing Mastering Diversity CIC as a driving force for inclusive growth.

In addition to her national work, Bernie is preparing to lead an international mission in 2025, focused on women’s health and empowerment, expanding her influence and commitment to diversity on a global scale. The mission brings together professionals of the highest calibre, including individuals with peerage and King’s Honours, highlighting Bernie’s ability to attract top-level expertise to projects aimed at transforming lives worldwide.

Bernie’s recognition by Prime Minister Starmer comes as she also prepares to host the upcoming Women Mastering Change closed session at the House of Lords in March 2025.

This exclusive event will be the third annual edition and is sponsored by Commonwealth Champion and Paralympian, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE DL, a cross-bench Peer in the House of Lords. Baroness Grey-Thompson has also graciously agreed to serve as Patron of Mastering Diversity CIC, further underscoring the importance and growing influence of this initiative. The Women Mastering Change event will gather leading women, entrepreneurs, and innovators to discuss global DEI challenges and strategies for effecting meaningful change.

With her work closely aligned with the Welsh Government’s strategic focus on diversity and inclusion, Bernie’s contributions are shaping the future of entrepreneurship and social equity. Her invitation to 10 Downing Street reflects her powerful influence in driving forward a more inclusive, equitable society, and highlights the importance of collective action to sustain the momentum for DEI progress.