Deanna Berry, Health Equity and Inclusion Wellbeing Team Lead at Sirona care & health, has been presented with a Diversity Champion Award by Stepping Up.
Stepping Up is a leadership talent pipeline for individuals from protected characteristics – black, Asian, minority ethnic, disabled, neurodiverse, LGBTQI+ and women – in Bristol and the South West region who aspire to progress in their career.
Deanna, who also co-Chair’s Sirona’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) staff network, was recognised for championing inclusive development and inspiring others in leadership roles at a ceremony on 26 June 2025.
Sirona which provides NHS and local authority funded adult and children’s community health services across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG), was also recognised with an Inclusive Workplace Award for its ongoing progress in embedding inclusive leadership into the workplace.
Julie Sharma, Sirona’s Interim Chief Executive, said: “At Sirona care & health, we believe a diverse and inclusive environment is fundamental to our success and we are committed to creating a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.
“Congratulations to Deanna and to everyone across Sirona who has been involved in embedding our EDI work.”
Since 2018, Stepping Up has transformed leadership, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to step into influential roles. Now in its seventh year, the programme has nurtured 860 leaders, each shaping inclusion and representation.
Deanna, who has been a participant, mentor, alumni and non-executive director with Stepping Up, said: “I am humbled and honoured to receive the Diversity Champion Award from Stepping Up. I have endured challenges and setbacks while settling into a new country, community, job, and lifestyle in the UK, but those quickly became wins and steps-up as I began to surround myself with like-minded, strong leaders in places of positive influence and impact through the Stepping Up programme.
“Stepping Up provided me with a platform where I could bloom and invest in myself with guidance and support from a variety of mentors from different professions. Their invaluable insight and feedback provided me with the tools, tips, and the motivation to apply and step into leadership positions and ‘know my worth’.
“The Diversity Champion Award recognises the importance of ensuring diversity in leadership is evident in all spaces, workplaces, and platforms as representation matters.”
Julie Sharma and Domini Harewood, Interim Chief People Officer, accepted the award on behalf or Sirona.
Domini, who also leads Sirona’s EDI Steering Committee and Taskforce, said: “I am extremely proud of the work our EDI Task Force have done over the past 18 months to engage staff and raise the profile and visibility of under-represented staff groups across Sirona. We are also truly committed to partnering with organisations across BNSSG to advance the work we’ve begun.
“It has been a labour of love to shift the dial and ensure all staff feel seen, heard and valued. It’s an honour to have this work recognised externally by the Stepping Up team.”
