2009 shortlist

Sri Lankan born Kishani was the first South Asian soprano to sing at the Royal Opera House (ROH) Covent Garden and Buckingham Palace. She won international vocal competitions in Spain, Holland and Turkey, Her accolades include: former ROH young artist; associate and former licentiate of RAM; and Zonta Woman of Achievement.

Veera is CEO of Procserve. She is a global thought leader in provision of electronic procurement solutions and services. The central theme of her career over the past ten years has been to harness the power of technology to improve efficiency and help save private and public-sector organisations time and money.

Christina’s Asian roots are fundamental to her being today. Since launching Image Source to the international market in September 2000, Christina has worked tirelessly to build a strong worlwide brand presence for the company. She was the first non-American to be voted onto the Picture Agency Counsel of American board in 2003 and serves as its vice-president. She has been shortlisted to be the new president of the European Economic Interest Group, CEPIC.

Riz is the anchor of the BBC’s news in London. She became one of the key figures in the coverage of the 2008 mayoral elections going head to head with Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson- and was subsequently named one of London’s 1,000 most influential people by the Evening Standard.

Dr Sunita is a leading cosmetic dentist. In her mission to help people achieve the physical and psychological benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile, Sunita set up Sparkle Dental Boutique, a multi award -winning private practice in west London. Now firmly established as a premier private practice in the UK, Sparkle Dental Boutique has revolutionised patient care and is positively changing public perceptions of visiting the dentist.

Vicki is a diplomat with 30 years’ experience in policy and service delivery roles, with overseas assignments in Pakistan, Malaysia and now India as British deputy high commissioner to Mumbai. Vicki was born in Malaysia and made a member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) in 1989.

Shaista is the director of the Muslim Women’s Network Uk and Muslim Voice UK. As a member of the National Muslim Women’s Advisory Group, she also advises government. She is a media commentator and speaks at events nationally and internationally. She was awarded an MBE in 2008.

Rehana is 29 and a practising barrister in London. She studied law at Oxford University and is a scholar of the Inner Temple. Rehana has also done extensive mental health charity work, particularly with Asian women. Rehana’s parents originate from Pakistan.

Neev’s radio show on Kiss 100 attracts 607,000 listeners. Her show has been nominated twice for the Asian Music Awards and her produced show for Rishi Rich Project was nominated for a prestigious Sony Music Award.

Vin is a partner at Elderstreet Investments, and was chief executive officer of Computer Software Group, which she took private in May 2007 and sold to Hellman Friedman in a $1billion transaction. She holds a number of senior roles, including CEO at Advanced Computer Software and chair at BSG and Innovise. She is a trustee of the Fredricks Foundation and founder of PS Foundation, a charity that supports the education of children in India.