Farzana Baduel, CEO and Co-Founder of Curzon PR, has made history by becoming the first British Asian woman from an ethnic minority to receive the prestigious Honorary Fellowship from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

This ground breaking achievement is a significant milestone in the CIPR’s nearly 10,000-member organisation, recognised as the world’s sole Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners.

The Honorary Fellowship, established in 1967, represents a highly esteemed honour conferred by the CIPR’s Board of Directors to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Institute and the advancement of the public relations field.

This historic acknowledgment represents a significant leap towards advancing diversity and inclusivity within the industry. Baduel’s exceptional service and remarkable contributions to the field have rightfully positioned her among an exclusive group of only 54 distinguished individuals who have received this honour.

The public relations industry, which makes a substantial £16.7 billion contribution to the UK economy, employs nearly 100,000 professionals. Nevertheless, a recent report from the CIPR has underscored the pressing need to address the ongoing lack of diversity, which continues to hinder skill development and recruitment within the sector.

In expressing her gratitude, Farzana Baduel remarked, “I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive the CIPR’s Honorary Fellowship. This achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a significant stride for diversity and inclusion in our field. My hope is that this recognition will inspire the upcoming generation of PR professionals, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds.”

On top of to her noteworthy achievements, Baduel also serves as the Resident Public Relations expert for the Entrepreneurship Centre at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and contributes as a Trustee on the board of the British Asian Trust, an organisation committed to combating poverty in South Asia.

CIPR President Steve Shepperson-Smith Chart. PR, FCIPR, stated, “I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to Farzana, Richard, Tony, Paul, and Peter for their invaluable service and contributions to the CIPR and our industry over many years. I am delighted that their dedication to professional practice and mentorship for the next generation of practitioners has been duly acknowledged with the Honorary Fellowship.”