Photos of Valerie Lolomari at Ideas Into Action events by Robert Martin.

Valerie has been honoured for her work supporting survivors of gender-based violence through her organisation, Women of Grace.

We first met the incredible Valerie Lolomari when she took part in Year Three of our programme, Ideas Into Action, which we ran alongside our IIA partner, TERN.

Valerie was one of a group of refugee entrepreneurs participating in 2024’s Ideas Into Action to develop Women of Grace, an organisation supporting survivors of gender-based violence.


Ideas Into Action supports people from a refugee background who live in the UK to develop their own social enterprises and non-profits. It provides specialist support, including workshops, professional coaching, business, marketing and fundraising information and skills training, as well as public-facing events.





Now, Valerie’s success has been honoured with an MBE and Valerie has sent Result this message about her award.

‘I’m deeply grateful to Ideas Into Action and Result CIC for the role they’ve played in my journey. Their belief in me and the space they created for real growth and leadership helped turn lived experience into lasting impact. This recognition is not just mine, it’s a reflection of the power of inclusive programmes that centre voice, purpose, and transformation.’  

We are delighted to have worked with Valerie and her fellow Ideas Into Action alumni, and thank her for her generous comment about our work. We hope that Valerie and her fellow IIA graduates continue to flourish.

You can read more about Valerie and her work via the BBC News website here.

If you feel inspired by Valerie's success, why not arrange a chat with us about how we might support you or your organisation to achieve your goals?

Get in touch here.

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