"If I wanted someone to associate me with one word it would be... empowerment"
- Empowerment champion Charlotte Appiah is a social entrepreneur, software engineer, DEI advocate, world champion cheerleader, and Miss Great Britain Surrey finalist, passionate about helping people to rise above adversity and create their own success stories.
About Charlotte Appiah
Finals: June 15 2025
ICU Cheerleading World Champion
English National Team - Adaptive Abilities Advanced
Non-Profit Founder
Recipient of UoN's:
Vice Chancellor's Medal
Aiming to fundraise (by June)
Winner of UoN's:
Community Contribution Award
Lifelong Learner & Multipotentialite
"The more you know, the more you know that you don't know." - Aristotle, Polymath
A software engineer by trade, passionate about pushing the DEI agenda — Charlotte has had a plethora of experience in many industries, including but not limited to, inclusive sport, performing arts, applied mathematical research, higher and secondary education, software engineering, and so much more, through jobs, hobbies and hundreds of hours of volunteer work over three continents.
Thriving Through Adversity — Optimist
“It’s your reaction to the adversity, not the adversity itself that determines how your story will develop.” - Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Charlotte is currently on long-term medical leave, having at least 120+ hours a month taken up by medical appointments. But she remains determined not to let her complex health issues dim her sparkle, and is fighting her hardest to get back to work and her new version of functional as soon as possible.
Empowerment Champion — Changemaker
"Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you could know, and capable of more than you could imagine" — Roy T. Bennett, Thought Leader
If I wanted someone to associate me with one one word it would be empowerment. That is the common thread that links together everything I do — empowering both myself and others and helping people gain the knowledge, tools, confidence and agency to get themselves where they want to go.
“Alumni Spotlight!! Meet Charlotte, accepting her Vice Chancellor’s Award, a true champion of diversity and inclusion!🌈 As a showcase of our alumni members, Charlotte was a powerhouse volunteer, committee member, and coach within @uonsport who helped transform the landscape of disability sports both on campus and beyond. 🏀👏
In just one academic year, Charlotte became a driving force behind the Wheelchair Basketball Club, excelling on and off the court, within GenSec, and as a Level 1 coach, content creator and more! Her 260+ hours of volunteering speak volumes about her commitment @uoninclusivesport, contributing to major events such as @bucssport Big Wednesdays and @britwheelbball’s Playoff Finals in Manchester.
Her impact also extends far beyond Nottingham as she’s pioneering an inclusive cheerleading club in London, adding to the few nationwide. Known for radiating positivity and ensuring everyone feels seen and valued in the diverse wheelchair basketball community, her ripple effect is felt not only in UoN Sport but across Nottingham, showcasing the University’s commitment to fostering compassionate, inclusive leaders. #diversitychampion #inclusivesport #uonalumni #uonsport”
University of Nottingham Wheelchair Basketball Club
Miss Great Britain Surrey Finalist — Advocate
"A woman wears many hats in one lifetime - why shouldn't one of them be a crown?" - Annie Jones
I'm a Miss GB Surrey Finalist!
🌟 And I'd love your help in making an impact (details below)
Charlotte, 24, is a world champion cheerleader, software engineer, nonprofit founder, and DEI advocate. She’s passionate about empowering people—especially those from racially diverse backgrounds and with disabilities or health challenges—to raise their aspirations and live life to the fullest, even in the face of adversity.
Proudly sponsored by
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Her own non-profit, Envision Allstars Cheer & Dance which helps combat social isolation by offering inclusive cheer and dance classes for teens and adults—both with and without disabilities—who may not have had this opportunity before.
Currently navigating her own complex health issues, Charlotte sees this journey as an opportunity to rebuild her confidence, reconnect with others and step out of her comfort zone. She hopes to be a role model for those facing adversity, showing that challenges don't have define one's future.
What is Miss Great Britain?
Miss Great Britain is the UK’s oldest and most prestigious pageant, focusing on the accomplishments of each finalist, their charity work, and their impact.
I am a finalist for Miss Great Britain Surrey, sponsored by @shhhaesthetics and @voguecoutureltd. If I win, I’ll secure a spot in the national final—a celebration of beauty, achievement, and empowerment.
They look for people who embody:
💪 Strength
🧠 Intelligence
💫 Ambition
⚖️ Integrity
🫂 Compassion
Fundraising for Cancer Research UK
In 2024, Miss GB finalists raised £102,915 for charity.
My goal is to raise £3000 by June for Cancer Research UK.
I had big challenge ideas (all vetoed by my medical professionals for now 🤕), so my mum stepped in—she’s been doing 50 burpees a day all February in my place! 💖
If you’d like to support, every donation helps: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/charlotte-appiah-miss-great-britain-2025
So What Next?
I may be on medical leave, but I still want to make an impact.
📢 Know any podcasts, TV shows, or YouTube channels? I’m looking for platforms to share my story and inspire others before the finals in June.
🫂 Got ideas? Let's connect — LinkedIn is where I'm most active.
"I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." – Maya Angelou
Want to Know More?
Turning ambition into action isn’t always easy—especially when facing adversity.
Step Up & Succeed is a practical, empowering guide designed to help you break through barriers, take meaningful steps toward your goals, and create your own success story.
Whatever challenges you're navigating, this roadmap provides actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and real-world tools to help you rise above obstacles and turn your aspirations into reality.
It’s not just about dreaming big—it’s about making it happen.
