Dr Tessy Ojo CBE

Global Social Impact Leader | CEO, The Diana Award | Founder, Tessy’s Brunches

Dr Tessy Ojo CBE is an award-winning Chief Executive, thought leader and advocate for social justice whose vision and leadership have shaped global conversations on youth empowerment, wellbeing and women’s leadership.

As CEO of The Diana Award, the only charity founded in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, Tessy has transformed the organisation’s reach and impact, quadrupling its income and expanding its footprint across more than 40 countries. Under her leadership, The Diana Award has become a powerful force for youth-led change, pioneering programmes in social action, mentoring and mental wellbeing, while continuing to honour Diana’s legacy of compassion and service.

Working closely with Diana’s sons, The Prince of Wales and The Duke of Sussex, Tessy has helped carry forward their mother’s humanitarian vision and represented the charity at key royal occasions including both royal weddings.

A scientist by training with a BSc in Biochemistry, an MBA in Third Sector Management and a PhD in Business Administration, Tessy combines strategic rigour with a deep passion for purpose-driven leadership. She is also the founder of Tessy’s Brunches, a movement empowering woman through community, authenticity and growth.

Her contributions have earned her some of the highest national and international honours, including being made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to children and young people, the Martin Luther King Peace Award (as the first British recipient), and an Honorary Doctorate in Social Justice from the University of East London. She has also been recognised among British Airways’ 100 Top British Leaders and received an Excellence Award from Eva Longoria’s Global Gift Foundation.

Tessy currently serves on the boards of Comic Relief, the #iwill Fund Leadership Board (which she co-chairs), and the UK Council for Child Internet Safety. She helped launch the national #iwill Fund alongside His Majesty The King, advocating for youth social action and civic participation.

A sought-after speaker, media commentator and global advisor, Tessy is leading a decade-long mission to ensure that by 2030 every school becomes a hub for both learning and mental wellbeing. She lives in Kent with her husband and two children.