Emelia Quist, the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Head of Policy Research, has been named as a trailblazing executive for people of colour in business in the 2023 Empower 100 Executive Role Models list, it was announced today (24 May).
As the Head of Policy Research at FSB, Emelia oversees all areas of diversity advocacy work, particularly on 
ethnic minority entrepreneurship, which benefits over 5 million UK small businesses and the self-employed. Her work also contributes to small businesses’ workplace diversity and local community cohesion. Emelia commissioned and led the first research project of its kind on ethnic minority and black-led small businesses, with the Centre for Research Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship, the findings of which were raised in Parliament.
Founder and CEO of INvolve, Suki Sandhu OBE, said: “Congratulations to Emelia. I’m so thrilled to be celebrating this global group of trailblazing executives, future leaders and advocates for people of colour in business. All the individuals within these lists are championing inclusion and leveraging their expertise and knowledge to drive impactful initiatives and strategic change within their organisations. It’s vital that people of colour across global organisations can succeed and achieve career success, and these role models are essential drivers of change who are smashing barriers to progress. We could not effect change without them leading the way.”
CEO of the Federation of Small Businesses, Julie Lilley, said: “Well done to Emelia for this achievement. I’m really proud when members of FSB’s talented, dedicated staff team are recognised externally. Emelia’s advocacy work to champion entrepreneurship for people of colour is so important.”
Empower Executive Role Model 2023 and FSB Head of Policy Research, Emelia Quist, said: “I’m honoured to be included in the 2023 Empower 100 Executives Role Model List. I’m committed to continuing to work to drive inclusion for people of colour and all other under-represented groups in small business.”