Dr Asha Patel has been named an Excellence Awards 2026

Proud moment!

Dr Asha Patel has been named an Excellence Awards 2026 – Speaker of the Year in Mental Health winner, recognising her leadership in trauma‑informed practice and her impact on education, social care and organisational culture.

At Innovating Minds, Asha champions trauma‑informed, evidence‑led approaches that bridge policy and practice, building sustainable capacity, strengthening safeguarding, and improving outcomes for children, families and frontline professionals across education, health and social care. Through keynotes, national conferences and sector events, she translates complex trauma and mental‑health research into clear, practical insight that influences senior leaders, commissioners and policymakers to act earlier and more effectively.

What this recognition celebrates

Across continents and cultures, award‑winning speakers are influencing executive leadership, entrepreneurship, education, innovation and organisational transformation. Their work demonstrates that speaking excellence is not defined by performance alone but by integrity, clarity, and long‑term impact.

“The most powerful speakers are those who combine depth of expertise with human connection and ethical responsibility.” – Almaz Andezion, Co‑Editor‑in‑Chief, Excellence Awards

In a world shaped by rapid technological advancement and artificial intelligence, exceptional speakers are those who embrace innovation without losing authenticity, ensuring that technology enhances communication rather than replacing it.

Asha’s work embodies this by:

• Turning research into implementable frameworks that embed trauma‑informed care across local authorities and services without reinventing the wheel
• Leading system‑wide capacity building that reduces long‑term pressures and improves day‑to‑day practice
• Acting as a public voice for change, accelerating sector‑wide improvement through speaking, commissioning guidance and workforce development

This award reflects our mission: healing‑centred, sustainable change, from classrooms to councils, aligned with models like Healing Together and an existing‑resources approach that meets people where they are.

👉 Explore the announcement and winners:
• Excellence Awards – Full Winners Listing
• Excellence Awards – News & Press Releases

Join us in congratulating Dr Asha Patel on her successful journey!