A 16 year old school girl from Handsworth has been announced as a top contender for one of Birmingham’s most prestigious business awards.
Catherine Munyarari, a student from Handsworth Grammar School, and member of local youth organisation, Birmingham Leadership Foundation (BLF), has been announced as just one of three finalists for the Aspiring Talent category of the Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (BYPY) awards. Hosted by professional network Birmingham Future, the awards, now in their 13th year, recognise the rising stars of the city’s business community, and include a special category for 16 to 23 year olds. Previous winners include Anthony McCourt, former director of The Cube and Aktar Islam, Director of Lasan restaurant and eatery. Catherine, who is currently studying for her A Levels, is one of BYPY’s youngest ever nominees, and was informed moments before setting off on a Geography field trip.
Catherine says,
“I’m ecstatic to have been nominated for a BYPY Award and can not wait for the ceremony in May. I’m really proud of where I come from and want to use this as an opportunity to champion all the talent that exists in my community and put Handsworth on the map. This is one of the most exciting things ever to happen to me.”
Catherine’s recognition arrives on the back of an eventful year for the ambitious teenager. In November she was elected as UK Youth Parliament representative for Ladywood and Perry Barr Constituencies, a role she juggles with her duties as youth representative for the East Handsworth Neighbourhood Forum. She also managed to make her mark on the public speaking circuit with a presenting role at the BLF Charity Gala in October, in front of an audience of 200 business and political leaders including Sir Albert Bore.