Community Gateway Partnerships Manager Ali Abdi collects BEM medal

Community Gateway partnerships manager, Ali Abdi last week collected a British Empire Medal (BEM) by Her Majesty the Queen’s representative to South Glamorgan Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Morfudd Meredith and in the presence of The Lord Mayor of the City of Cardiff Rod McKerlich.

Ali joined the Community Gateway project team in 2015 and has played a key role in developing long-lasting, mutually beneficial and meaningful relationships between Cardiff University and communities in and around Grangetown. He has also grown a strong network across all Colleges and Professional Services in Cardiff University, Government representatives, third sector organisations, and individual community members.

Ali re­ceived the Bri­tish Em­pire Medal for his service to the Black, Asian and Mi­nor­ity Eth­nic com­mu­nity in Cardiff. The official announcement was made by the Cabinet Office on behalf of HM the Queen in the 2019 New Year's Honours list but due to the ongoing pandemic the presentation ceremony was delayed.

On receiving his British Empire Medal Ali said:

“I am truly honoured, humbled and very proud to receive this award for something I love doing every day. My family are very proud of what I have achieved, and when I told my parents they were beaming with pride. I am so pleased that I am in a position every day to serve my community and give help to people when they often have no one else to turn to. It’s an absolute privilege to have been honoured at a national level.”

Congratulations Ali!