Award Night 2022

An evening dedicated to diversity and inclusion. These are the winners of the Swiss Diversity Awards 2022 . ‍

Am 10. September 2022 wurden zum vierten Mal Schweizer Persönlichkeiten und Projekte für ihr Engagement in den Bereichen Diversität und Inklusion mit dem Swiss Diversity Award ausgezeichnet. Der Event im Kursaal Bern bot neben der Verleihung auch ein aussergewöhnliches Rahmenprogramm: So tanzte unter anderem Carmen Lopes Sway mit einer Berner Schulklasse. Model Manuela Frey versteigerte ein Bild von sich für einen guten Zweck und die Ergebnisse der Diversity-Studie wurden vorgestellt.

Auch 2022 wurde wieder der Swiss Diversity Award in den sieben Kategorien «LGBTQ+», «Geschlecht», «Alter», «Beeinträchtigung», «Bildung und soziale Herkunft», «Nationalität und ethnische Herkunft» und «Religion und Weltanschauung» verliehen. Anders als die Jahre zuvor gab es pro Kategorie allerdings nicht nur einen, sondern gleich mehrere Gewinner. Damit will die Jury ein Zeichen setzen und die Wichtigkeit jedes Engagement hervorheben für eine diverse und inklusive Schweiz.

Die Gewinner*innen der Swiss Diversity Awards 2022
Die diesjährigen Gewinner*innen  bekamen während der Preisverleihung den Swiss Diversity Award 2022 überreicht. In der Kategorie «Geschlecht», die von MAC COSMETICS präsentiert wird, haben Patent Ochsner-Backlinerin Katha Langstrumpf sowie Rechtsanwalt Michel Montini abgeräumt. Patrizia Laeri ging als Honorary Mention mit einem Award von der Bühne. Design Management Student Tim Meier aus Luzern, die Queer Ausstellung im Naturhistorischen Museum Bern sowie Honorary Mention Henry Hohmann bekamen in der Kategorie «LGBTQI» den Award überreicht, und in der Kategorie «Alter» erhielten das Magazin Zeitlupe von Pro Senectute, die «Initiative gegen Mobbing» von Pro Juventute und das Integrationsprojekt «Super Girls play Badmington» von Swiss Badminton den Award.  Die Co-Präsidentin der Operation Libero Sanija Ameti, Künstlerin Carmen Lopes Sway und das Surprise-Magazin erhielten den Swiss Diversity Award 2022 in der Kategorie «Bildung und soziale Herkunft», ebenso wie der Verein Surprise als Honorary Mention. Auch Komiker Charles Nguela sowie der Afrotanz-Verein Café au Lait erhielten für ihr besonderes Engagement in der von JTI präsentierten Kategorie «Nationalität und ethnische Herkunft» die Auszeichnung. In dieser Kategorie wurde Güzin Kar als Honorary Mention hervorgehoben. Das Living Museum in Wil, das Werkheim Uster und der Honorary Mention Gelati Gasparini gewannen in der Kategorie «Beeinträchtigung» und Asmaa Dehbi und Dina Wyler erhielten den Award in der Kategorie «Religion und Weltanschauung» für ihr Engagement gegen Antisemitismus und antimuslimischen Rassismus. Zusätzlich wurde der Allianz Lifetime Award für das Lebenswerk einer herausragenden Persönlichkeit verliehen. Die Auszeichnung ging an den Schweizer Rennrollstuhlsportler Heinz Frei, der als einer der erfolgreichsten Schweizer Sportler aller Zeiten gilt. Die Swisscom zeichnete mit dem Swisscom Entrepreneurship Award ausserdem eine Person aus, welche aus einem gesellschaftlichen Misstand heraus wirtschaftlichen Erfindergeist bewiesen hat: Jonas Staub, Gründer und CEO von Blindspot.

Workshops & Forum regen konstruktiven Austausch an
Tagsüber fand das Forum statt, das neu mit Workshops für inklusive Kommunikation ergänzt wurde. Dabei wurden die sogenannten DEI Themen – sprich Diversity, Equity und Inclusion – in den Fokus gerückt. Auch die Themen ethnische Herkunft, körperliche Beeinträchtigung und soziale Herkunft sowie konkrete Diversity-Massnahmen wurden diskutiert. «Der direkte Austausch zwischen grossen Konzernen, KMU und Familienunternehmen hätte spannender nicht sein können. Der Austausch zu den DEI Themen hat gemeinsame Potentiale und Lösungswege aufgezeigt. Wenn so viele verschiedene Firmen Seite an Seite miteinander arbeiten, dann sind wir auf dem richtigen Weg», sagt Stephan Lendi, Initiant vom Verein Swiss Diversity und Moderator des Awards.

Aussergewöhnliches Programm begeistert Publikum
Begleitet wurde die Preisverleihung von einem 3-Gänge-Gala-Dinner und verschiedenen Showacts, die für Standing Ovations sorgten. So führte etwa Tante Carmen, alias Carmen Lopes Sway – Schwester von Sänger Marc Sway – mit einer Berner Schulklasse ein musikalisches Kindertheater auf, welches sie erst kurz zuvor mit den Kindern einstudiert hatte und damit auf spielerische Art und Weise die Themen Diversität und Inklusion auch den Kleinen näher gebracht werden. Anschliessend sang Carmen Lopes Sway gemeinsam mit Renée Rousseau ein Duett und rückte vom Hintergrund ins Rampenlicht. Begleitet wurden die Musiker von der Swiss Diversity Band unter der Leitung von Reyn Turner. Damit nicht genug: Das Bodypainting-Bild von und mit Model Manuel Frey wurde enthüllt und die online Versteigerung gestartet. Tobias Reichmuth, bekannt aus «Die Höhle der Löwen», hatte zuvor ein Erstgebot von 5’000 Schweizer Franken abgegeben – nun kann unter swissdiversity-shop.myshopify.com fleissig mitgeboten werden. Der Erlös kommt einem guten Zweck zugute.

Diversity-Studie enthüllt Erstaunliches
Die Diversity-Studie, welche zusammen mit der Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften (ZHAW) durchgeführt wurde, wurde erstmals an der Swiss Diversity Award Night 2022 vorgestellt. Die Studie zeigt Erstaunliches: Strategisches Management von Diversität und Inklusion steigert den Wettbewerbsvorteil in Firmen, weil so deren Kreativität, Innovation und Marken-Attraktivität erhöht und der Fachkräftemangel reduziert werden kann. Die Ergebnisse sollen Schweizer Unternehmen dazu inspirieren, für eine diverse und inklusive Unternehmenskultur einzustehen. 

Nominations

Tim Meier

LGBTQ+ education for wwwerkschau

What does diversity mean to me?
Diversity means to me that there should be room for everyone in society and that the same opportunities are possible for everyone. Furthermore, diversity means for me an enrichment of society.

What sets me apart from others in the field of diversity?
The will to set something in motion and to give 100% commitment in order to arrive at the best possible solution. In addition, I use my human-centred approach to ensure that this solution is created in such a way that it fits into the social system and also makes sense.

What would it mean to me to win the award?
Winning the award would mean a lot to me because I put a lot of time and effort into the work and it is important to me to raise the issue and get a discussion going.

Tim Meier

LGBTQ+ education for wwwerkschau

What does diversity mean to me?
Diversity means to me that there should be room for everyone in society and that the same opportunities are possible for everyone. Furthermore, diversity means for me an enrichment of society.

What sets me apart from others in the field of diversity?
The will to set something in motion and to give 100% commitment in order to arrive at the best possible solution. In addition, I use my human-centred approach to ensure that this solution is created in such a way that it fits into the social system and also makes sense.

What would it mean to me to win the award?
Winning the award would mean a lot to me because I put a lot of time and effort into the work and it is important to me to raise the issue and get a discussion going.

Music Acts

The Artist in the Background & Guests

At this year's Swiss Diversity Awards, we would like to tell you the story of a woman who has shared the stage with greats such as Celine Dion or Phil Collins, who has co-composed and written the lyrics for the most successful albums, and who has also always supported many Swiss stars musically and vocally. She loves the background and anonymity. For one evening, we turn the spotlight on her and put her and her guests in the spotlight.

Carmen Lopez-Sway

As Aunt Carmen, Carmen Lopes Sway brings a lot of joy and lightness to children's everyday lives with her musical children's theatre. She takes the children on a bus ride with Jimmy Brumm. Among other things, Aunt Carmen's stories deal with the diversity of people. The children are taken on a colourful journey while singing, dancing and playing. The songs as well as the programme "Busfahrt mit de Tante Carmen" are based on an educational background. It conveys diversity and inclusion among the children in a playful way.

Reyn Turner & the Swiss Diversity Band

A born showman, Reyn hails from the sunny shores of South Africa and lights up the stage as a singer and actor, combining his passion for music with his love of entertainment. In 2012, he followed his heart to Switzerland and has quickly established himself in the arts and culture industry. www.reynturner.ch

Moderation

Patricia Boser

Patricia Boser started as a presenter at Radio 24 on 13 March 1989. With her spontaneous manner and her unmistakable voice, she took the hearts of listeners by storm. Patricia Boser became known throughout Switzerland, however, when she joined Tele Züri in 1994. Now her television career began. In the programme "Züri Date" she brought lonely hearts together for eight years - and became the "matchmaker of the nation". Since 1996, Patricia Boser has been visiting national and international celebrities in their own homes as part of "Lifestyle" on Tele Züri, Tele M1, Tele Bärn and Tele 1.Patricia Boser has repeatedly championed the topics of diversity, equity & inclusion not only in her Lifestyle programme. We thank her warmly for this commitment and look forward to welcoming her at this year's Swiss Diversity Awards.

Jury 2022

Yvonne Apiyo Brändle-Amolo

Intercultural mediator and SP councillor of Schlieren. Her politics are based on the pillars of equal opportunities and equality and she is deeply convinced that only an inclusive society is a free society.

Christiane Bisanzio

Christianze Bisanzio, Vice President Diversity & Inclusion and People & Culture in an international company and globally recognised specialist in her fieldTo ensure that diversity in Switzerland does not degenerate into a paper tiger, we as a society must recognise how multifaceted diversity can be in all its forms. And even if diversity and inclusion can sometimes hurt, we have no time to waste waiting for the next generation.

Damien Cottier

Damien Cottier is a Swiss politician. A former chief of staff to Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, he was a member of the Neuchâtel cantonal parliament from 1997 to 2008, president of the FDP parliamentary group (2001-2005) and vice-president of the Neuchâtel FDP (2009-2012). In 2022, he was elected President of the parliamentary group of the FDP Switzerland.

Vanessa Grand

Vanessa Grand, a name that has long since found its place in the folk music and pop scene. Born with a handicap, it is now normal for the singer to be on stage in a wheelchair. Her musical curriculum vitae is well worth reading, and includes successes such as: Countless live performances at home and abroad, open airs, winning the title of Queen of Musicians and the production of 6 successful albums.

Bruno Barth

Bruno Barth has been Managing Director/National Director of Special Olympics Switzerland since 2011. Special Olympics creates space for encounters and conveys values of diversity and inclusion.

Hans-Peter Nehmer

Hans-Peter Nehmer, Head of Corporate Communications & Sustainability at Allianz SuisseCommunication defines my life. It is the link between us as people and allows us to understand each other. My motto: Use every communication as an opportunity!

Beatrice Simon

Beatrice Simon was elected to the Bernese Government Council on 28 March 2010 and has headed the Finance Directorate since 1 June 2010. She was elected President of the Bernese Government for the 2016/2017 and 2021/2022 term of office.

Christoph Stuehn

Christoph Stuehn is Deputy Director of the Kunsthaus Zürich. With its expansion, the KunsthausZürich will be the largest art museum in Switzerland from 2020.

Winners* 2022

Category: Gender
Personality nominated: Michel Montini

What does diversity mean to you?
Diversity
- variety - is in itself a program, a culture of acceptance of the other. It means that every person has the fundamental right to be respected and socially accepted in their choice to live as they are and to meet and love anyone they want without prejudice or reservation.

What would it mean to you to win the award?
For
me, it would be a recognition of the commitment I have shown throughout the years in the field of the rights of LGBTI persons.

What sets you apart from others in the field of diversity?
That
's a good question. Basically, I try to contribute my part to the whole (or a few stones to the whole, which is even better...). In particular, my involvement has been to write several papers in the area of recognition of same-sex couples and gender identity. In this framework, together with Prof. Andreas Ziegler and RA Eylem Ayse Copur, I edited in 2015 the book LGBT Law (first edition published in 2006 with the title "Rights of Lesbians and Gays in Switzerland"), published in German and French. "

Category: Education and social background
Personality nominated: Surprise Association

What does diversity mean to you?
We live diversity in our daily work with people affected by poverty and socially disadvantaged people. We take people as they are - we support them in speaking up for themselves, developing new perspectives on life and participating in society. We are convinced that besides the real existing poverty in Switzerland, diversity and different life plans have to be made visible in order to generate social change.


What would it mean for you to win the award?
The
award is a great recognition of our almost 25 years of work with people affected by poverty and socially disadvantaged people.

What sets you apart from others in the area of diversity?
We
live diversity not only in human terms, but also in the complementary services we offer. Surprise is state-run, independent and low-threshold. Participation in the services is voluntary - everyone is welcome here.

Category: Nationalities & Ethnic Origin
Nominated Personality: Güzin Kar

What does diversity mean to you?
The
primary goal of diversity must be to enable as many people as possible to participate in social processes and achievements. Any progress that favours only a few is a step backwards.

What would it mean for you to win the award?
What
every award and distinction means to me:A recognition of my work so far and the motivation to continue on my path and make even bolder decisions in the future.

What sets you apart from others in the field of diversity?
As a
screenwriter and director, I try to make my influence felt in this area, not only in front of the camera but also behind it. It is important to me to create a working atmosphere where all crew members feel safe. In each of my films, I also try to give some roles that would classically be filled by white, Central European actors to black or migrant people, but without marking them as exotic. I also hire young, breastfeeding mothers who are often excluded from the film business because of the feared expense. I also hope to work more and more often with disabled actors. 

Category: Nationalities & Ethnic Origin
Nominated Personality: Café au Lait

Café au Lait is an association for Afro dance, singing and percussion from Zurich. The name says it all: Café au Lait is made up of children and young people of different skin colours, origins and cultures. The association is recognised by the Zurich Sports Office as a youth sports promotion organisation. Café au Lait was founded in autumn 2003 by Françoise Strassburg, who was born in Angola. Together with her teachers, she promotes the dance, rhythm and singing of young artists until they are ready for the stage (see CAL Stage Company). In the process, the children and young people always learn respect, mutual understanding and solidarity through play.

Category: Age
Nominated personality: Initiative Against Bullying (Pro Juventute)

Bullying is a reality and has increased in Switzerland. In 2018, 13% of all students said that others make fun of them. In 2015, this was 11%. Bullying has serious social and health consequences for those who are bullied, but also for those who are bullied and those who follow them. Pro Juventute has therefore launched the "Initiative against Bullying" in cooperation with RADIX Swiss Health Foundation, the School Social Work Association (SSAV) and the Swiss Association of School Principals (VSLCH).

The "Initiative against Bullying" is a pilot project that supports 36 schools from 8 cantons in German-speaking Switzerland in the comprehensive fight against bullying. Recognising signs quickly, reporting anonymously and acting prudently and clearly are the goals of the initiative against bullying. The school should be a safe place for all pupils, where all children and young people can learn without worries.

Category: LGBTQI+
Nominated Personality: Queer Exhibition at the Natural History Museum

What does diversity mean to you?
The colourful diversity of genders, gender identities, gender roles and sexual preferences. In nature and in society. We feel that this diversity is an enrichment.


What would it mean for you to win the award?
The award would encourage us to combine scientific and social topics - and thus also to promote important social discourses. In relation to our special exhibitionQueer , this also means that we counteract the devaluation with supposedly biological arguments. And of course it would not only be a significant award for our museum, but especially for the people from the queer community who have been involved in our exhibition "Queer".


What sets you apart from others in the field of diversity?
The discussion about diversity of gender and sexuality is often about biological issues. "It's not natural" is a popular argument. Our exhibition tries to look in an unagitated way at what nature and current scientific findings have to tell us about gender and sexual diversity. And the answer is: diversity is natural. Should our exhibition win the award, it would be a strong sign that diversity is not against nature.

Category: Impairment
Nominated personality: Gelati Gasparini

What does diversity mean to you?
For our company, diversity means recognising and using the diverse potential of all our employees. Due to our social mission, diversity means for us in particular integrating people with mental disabilities into the working world, accompanying them and allowing them to participate. At gaw, everyone should be able to develop their potential. For me personally, diversity is a matter of course. Diversity makes us colourful, exciting and creative!

What would it mean for you to win the award?
It would be a great pleasure for us and a big thank you to all our professional staff who work in the spirit of our social mission. It would also make society even more aware of the integration of people with mental disabilities.

What sets you apart from others in the area of diversity?
We live diversity. We are passionate about what we do, we all know what we get up for in the morning, in other words we see great meaning in what we do. We would like to inspire others with this.

Category: LGBTQI+
Nominated personality: Henry Hohmann

What does diversity mean to you?
For me, diversity means consciously dealing with the diversity of human existence. No one should be put on the back burner because of diversity criteria, but should be recognised and valued in their own way of being. Diversity also means that we have to talk about, inform and discuss how equal opportunities and justice for all can be achieved. In concrete terms, this means for trans people and all queer people in general that they are perceived as valuable, enriching and strong in their diversity.


What would it mean for you to win the award?
If I were to receive the award, I would see myself first and foremost as a representative of the entire Swiss trans community and thus of many people who have been working for years for the visibility and recognition of trans people - with courage, heart and soul and tremendous commitment. Winning would also be a recognition of the achievement and courage of all those trans people who were there before us and who had to fight hard every step of the way. The award would be an important sign to the community that shows recognition and encouragement.


What sets you apart from others in the field of diversity?
I am an activist because I draw strength from my experiences, from my pain and my joy, and thus I can also give a voice to those who have and have had greater difficulties on their path. I fight for trans people to be perceived as valuable and equal in our society. I want to be a role model and inspire others to also stand up, to trust their abilities and their very special experiences.

Category: Education and Social Origin
Nominated Personality: Carmen Lopes Sway

What does diversity mean to me?
I had the great privilege of growing up with diversity and experiencing it as quite natural. I feel it is a privilege and I appreciate it very much that I grew up this way, but unfortunately I see and feel in everyday life that we are still very far away from accepting diversity as what it should be, namely that it is completely natural. I am a mother of two children and they tell me again and again how children who do not fit into the pattern are bullied and excluded. This concerns me a lot and that's exactly why I want to teach the children acceptance and joy of diversity.

What does winning the award mean to me?
The nomination alone is a great honour for me. I didn't expect it. But it is a confirmation that my work is seen and appreciated. It encourages me to continue with my visions for the next 20 years. The nomination gives me so much strength, energy and confidence, and above all, faith in myself.

What makes me different from others in the field of diversity?
The big difference is that I already teach diversity and inclusion to children at an important age in a playful and beguiling way and it is associated with a positive and enjoyable moment. My musical, interactive children's theatre is aimed at children aged 3-10. This means that I teach the values of diversity and inclusion to young children, as if it were already normal. Just as I was allowed to grow up with it.

Category: Gender
Nominated Personality: Katharïna Pippilotta Longstocking (No salutation / call name Katha or she / he doesn't matter)

What does diversity mean to you
Diversity in relation to gender means to me that there is an average of gender, gender identity and sexual orientation, which determines the "norm" - but also a non-negligible number of people who deviate from it. In order for these people to become visible and thus also role models, which can increase tolerance, it needs to be openly discussed and a diverse composition in committees, groups, line ups and so on. For me, diversity means a mixed group of people who deal with each other without discrimination and thus represent a broad spectrum.

What would it mean for you to win the award?
For me it would be a sign of appreciation, openness, respect and acceptance of minorities! I wouldn't take it personally, but as a sign of contemporary progress and openness in our society.

What sets you apart from others in the field of diversity?
I like to stick my neck out to be a trailblazer for others. Especially for those who don't have the self-confidence to stand up for themselves and be visible to the public. Role models are very important in the development of a person. If I, as a "non-binary" person and person living in a 13-year registered partnership and soon to be same-sex marriage (possible in Switzerland from July 22!) can be an example or a signpost for other people, then that is a good thing!

Category: Education and social background
Nominated personality: Sanija Ameti

Sanija Ametiis the co-president of the political movement Operation Libero. The lawyer with a focus on cybersecurity and digitalisation became politically active during the Corona pandemic at the beginning of 2020 by leading the counter-campaign to the anti-terror law. Since 2019, she has been a member of the executive committee of the Young Green Liberal Party of Switzerland (departmental political strategy) and since 2020, she has been a member of the party leadership of the Green Liberal Party of the Canton of Zurich (department of communication & campaigns). The new President of Operation Libero was born in 1992 in what was then Yugoslavia and came to Switzerland with her parents as a refugee in 1995. "I represent the story of the many young people in Switzerland who had to work for the privileges in this country as refugee children," says Sanija Ameti, the new President of Operation Libero. Furthermore, Sanija Ameti is a lawyer and doctoral candidate at the Institute for Public Law at the University of Bern, where she is doing her doctorate on the roles of private individuals and the state in cyberspace. Her other professional positions include Academic Researcher and Teaching Assistant at the University of Bern since late 2018, Research and Teaching Assistant at the University of Zurich in 2018, and Academic Intern at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) from 2016 to 2017. Ms Ameti completed her law studies at the University of Zurich from 2011 to 2017.

Category: Impairment
Personality nominated: Werkheim Uster

What does diversity mean to you?
An
inclusive society recognises the diversity of people as a strength. People with impairments participate in all areas of life in a self-determined way and without barriers. We want to help overcome boundaries. We want to give confidence and not think primarily in terms of risks. With the 'Mehrwerk', we are working towards this goal.In an inclusive world of work, people with disabilities are not alone required to integrate and adapt to a given environment. The working world is designed in such a way that all people can work on an equal footing and at eye level - no matter how different they are.

What would it mean for you to win the award?
It
would be a recognition that the vision of "Mehrwerk" as an inclusive workspace for all has a radiant power and relevance for the entire economy. Thus, it would also be a recognition for us of the equality of people with disabilities.

What sets you apart from others in the area of diversity?
With the
"Mehrwerk" we want to create an inclusive workspace for people with and without impairments. In this way, more cooperation, more opportunities and more inclusion will become an everyday reality, even for people with higher support needs. I am sure that I will be able to shape the children at this age with a lot of ease, colour and acceptance. What could be more beautiful? My goal is that diversity and inclusion, such as people with Afro hair, will also be the most natural thing in the world in Switzerland and we can all enjoy diversity and enrich each other.    

Category: Gender
Nominated personality: Patrizia Laeri


CEO elleXX / TOP 100 Women in Business / Business Journalist of the year

By the way, I am not only committed to journalism, but also to digital education, technological progress and gender equality in working life, be it in my #aufbruch column for Ringier or as an advisory board member of the Institute for Digital Business at HWZ or in numerous women's networks such as Alliance f, SWONET or WeShapeTech. As editor-in-chief of CNNMoney Switzerland, I produced the first transalpine women-only business programme #DACHelles in 2020.

I'm bored that there are so many fewer female experts than male experts in the media. I want diverse voices in the media. That's why in 2017 I founded the first Swiss edit-a-thon "Women for Wikipedia" with SRF, Ringier and Wikimedia. It's a writing marathon. Together, we write more women's biographies on the most important information platform in the world, Wikipedia. 90 per cent of the biographies there are male, and those who are not on Wiki get less media coverage, and those who are not in the media have a harder time getting on Wiki. Do you notice anything? Because I want to break this pattern, I initiated and led SRF's most important diversity project in 2019: the data project "chance50:50".

Category: Impairment
Personality nominated: Living Museum Wil SG

What does diversity mean to you?
Diversity means - in the encounter with our artists - in the understanding of the Living Museum: unconditional openness, genuine interest and equal footing. In this respect, we see ourselves as service providers. We provide and secure what our artists need to be and become what they are and want to be: Time, space, material, cultural exchange and artistic conviviality. Our great art: not to stand in their way.

What would it mean for you to win the award?
What would it mean for our artists, is the question for us: recognition, encouragement and a piece of confirmation that they are what we encounter them as every day: People in their incomparable being, personal expression and growing self-empowerment.

What sets you apart in the field of diversity?
At the Living Museum Wil, the artists transform aspects of their vulnerability, often associated with mental illness, as strength in their authentic art. Those affected create cultural capital, which has an inspiring effect on the atmosphere of the space and the community of solidarity. Free of time and performance pressure, they can develop in an environment that provides security. All are welcome, as diverse as they are. We therefore turn the idea of inclusion around: instead of asking those affected to reintegrate into society, we invite society to the Living Museum so that it can enter into dialogue with unique and kind personalities and in this way heal from the inside out.

Category: Age
Nominated Personality: Super Girls play Badminton

What does diversity mean to you?
SUPERGIRLS
play Badminton aims to give girls a new shared passion to explore. Our project is a proactive effort to bring girls of different backgrounds, ages and abilities together so that they can move, feel good about it and find their place in the sport of badminton. Every girl is different and sees the sport through different eyes. With our badminton experiences, we also want to open doors for different approaches on how to inspire girls for a (new) sport in a low-threshold way.

What would it mean for you to win the award?
We are
proud that our girls' development project SUPERGIRLS play Badminton is already noticed and appreciated after such a short time and has also become an inspiration for other national sports federations. Winning this award would give our project a further boost and motivate clubs in Switzerland to get even more involved. We hope to run many more experiences throughout Switzerland with SUPERGIRLS play Badminton and thereby enable numerous girls to find their passion and place in the sport of badminton.

What sets you apart from others in the area of diversity?
The
values of respect and friendship have always been the basis of badminton. Diversity is actively lived in badminton: people from different social and ethnic backgrounds, with and without impairments, different genders, ages, religious views and sexual orientations form a colourful community that shares the same passion. There are no divided trainings in badminton - often women and men and the most diverse age and strength groups train together. The fastest backstroke sport in the world is inclusive per se.

Category: LGBTQI+
Nominated personality: Tim Meier

What does diversity mean to me?
Diversity means to me that there should be room for everyone in society and that the same opportunities are possible for everyone. In addition, diversity means to me that society is enriched.

What would it mean to me to win the award?
Winning the award would mean a lot to me because I put a lot of time and effort into the work and it is important to me to raise the issue and get a discussion going.

What sets me apart from others in the field of diversity?
The will to get something moving and to give 100% effort to reach the best possible solution. In addition, I use my human-centred approach to ensure that this solution is created in such a way that it fits into the social system and also makes sense.

Category: Nationalities & Ethnic Origin
Nominated Personality: Charles Nguela

What does diversity mean to you?
When I think of diversity, I also think of spices.Yes, I know that sounds strange, but it makes sense. Just think about it for a moment. If you cook and add all the herbs and spices, the food ends up being great. Well, it depends on how well you can cook. But, depending on which spices you use, the food tastes different. And that's the reason why our food tastes so good today. Because of the different spices. And that is also what makes our society great. Diversity.


What would it mean to you to win the award?
After I wrote my first show, my mother was afraid I would be misunderstood or that no one would listen to me. I wanted to give myself and other people a voice. And indeed, there are times when I feel alone or misunderstood and feel that no one is listening to me. Winning this award would prove the voice of doubt the opposite. That we have a voice and that someone is listening to us and cares.

What sets you apart in the field of diversity?
I think making someone laugh or smile is the smallest thing we can do. If you don't live to make someone else's life better in some way, what are you living for? And besides charity, UNICEF and giving blood, I like to do the laughing part a bit more and a lot more. But we all make a difference!

Music Acts 2022

Renée Rousseau, Big Reggie, Natacha

Renée Rousseau has spent her life on stage as a background singer with stars like Céline Dion andPhil Collins, but also behind numerous Swiss stars incl. Marc Sway and Natacha. At the Swiss Diversity Awards 2022 she told her musical story with the support of Big Reggie, Natascha, Reyn Turner and the Swiss Diversity Band.

Carmen Lopez-Sway

As Aunt Carmen, Carmen Lopes Sway brings a lot of joy and lightness to children's everyday lives with her musical children's theatre. She takes the children on a bus ride with Jimmy Brumm. Among other things, Aunt Carmen's stories deal with the diversity of people. The children are taken on a colourful journey while singing, dancing and playing. The songs as well as the programme "Bus Trip with Aunt Carmen" are based on an educational background. It conveys diversity and inclusion among the children in a playful way.

Reyn Turner & the SwissDiversity Band

A born showman, Reyn hails from the sunny shores of South Africa and lights up the stage as a singer and actor, combining his passion for music with his love of entertainment. In 2012, he followed his heart to Switzerland and quickly established himself in the arts and culture industry. Before coming to Switzerland, Reyn performed in several professional musical theatre productions and was an official artist at international events. During his career in Switzerland, he has appeared in several television commercials and local musicals, and was recently a contestant on The Voice of Switzerland.

Nominations

Tim Meier

LGBTQ+ education for wwwerkschau

What does diversity mean to me?
Diversity means to me that there should be room for everyone in society and that the same opportunities are possible for everyone. Furthermore, diversity means for me an enrichment of society.

What sets me apart from others in the field of diversity?
The will to set something in motion and to give 100% commitment in order to arrive at the best possible solution. In addition, I use my human-centred approach to ensure that this solution is created in such a way that it fits into the social system and also makes sense.

What would it mean to me to win the award?
Winning the award would mean a lot to me because I put a lot of time and effort into the work and it is important to me to raise the issue and get a discussion going.

Tim Meier

LGBTQ+ education for wwwerkschau

What does diversity mean to me?
Diversity means to me that there should be room for everyone in society and that the same opportunities are possible for everyone. Furthermore, diversity means for me an enrichment of society.

What sets me apart from others in the field of diversity?
The will to set something in motion and to give 100% commitment in order to arrive at the best possible solution. In addition, I use my human-centred approach to ensure that this solution is created in such a way that it fits into the social system and also makes sense.

What would it mean to me to win the award?
Winning the award would mean a lot to me because I put a lot of time and effort into the work and it is important to me to raise the issue and get a discussion going.

Music Acts

The Artist in the Background & Guests

At this year's Swiss Diversity Awards, we would like to tell you the story of a woman who has shared the stage with greats such as Celine Dion or Phil Collins, who has co-composed and written the lyrics for the most successful albums, and who has also always supported many Swiss stars musically and vocally. She loves the background and anonymity. For one evening, we turn the spotlight on her and put her and her guests in the spotlight.

Carmen Lopez-Sway

As Aunt Carmen, Carmen Lopes Sway brings a lot of joy and lightness to children's everyday lives with her musical children's theatre. She takes the children on a bus ride with Jimmy Brumm. Among other things, Aunt Carmen's stories deal with the diversity of people. The children are taken on a colourful journey while singing, dancing and playing. The songs as well as the programme "Busfahrt mit de Tante Carmen" are based on an educational background. It conveys diversity and inclusion among the children in a playful way.

Reyn Turner & the Swiss Diversity Band

A born showman, Reyn hails from the sunny shores of South Africa and lights up the stage as a singer and actor, combining his passion for music with his love of entertainment. In 2012, he followed his heart to Switzerland and has quickly established himself in the arts and culture industry. www.reynturner.ch

Moderation 2022

Stephan Lendi

The moderator leads in business circles as well as in NGO environments in German, English and French through various events, broadcasts and panels and is, among other things, one of the main presenters of the Zurich Film Festival. He lends his voice to the shows Höhle der Löwen, Master Chef Switzerland and Ninja Warrior. As a media and communications specialist, he is also involved in media, interview and camera training for the communication skills of his clients from politics and business. At Swiss Diversity, he is responsible for the Swiss Diversity Forum and hosts the Blue Zoom Diversity Talks.

Jasmina Chouchan

Jasmina Chouchan, business economist FH, customer consultant in healthcare and trilingual facilitator (D/F/E) lives and represents diversity and inclusion from within. For me, inclusion means the ability to break down prejudices and accept all people as persons, even if they do not fit into the - conscious or unconscious - mental patterns that have so far been considered the norm. Diversity, on the other hand, means to me the number of people included in an organization, group or team with different ethnicities and orientations. It is therefore quantifiable. A representation of diversity without inclusion is like a well without water. I am pleased that inclusion and diversity are finally being recognized and celebrated. It is more than a fashionable term, it is a movement!

Ava Maria Montero

At first glance, you could easily mistake this green-eyed blonde for a "white girl." Until she says her name: Ana Maria Montero, and the way she rolls her "r" immediately identifies her as Latina. Fortunately, that's a designation she adopts "de corazón." Born to a Cuban mother and Spanish father in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia (in the Deep South of the United States), she experienced a tricultural and trilingual reality rich in diversity. Montero grew up professionally in the CNN family - literally from internship to anchor desk - working for CNN international, CNN Español, CNN andHLN in English and Spanish across the Americas. Montero returned to the studio and CNN in 2017 when she joined the CNNMoney Switzerland team as anchor of the flagship business and finance program, The Swiss Pulse.

Award Night 2022

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