Muswell Hill autism charity boss wins top award

Ambitious about Autism chief exec Jolanta Lasota was named ‘charity leader of the year’ at the Benefact Group Charity Heroes Awards

Jolanta Lasota (right) with her 'charity leader of the year' award (credit Clint Randall www.pixelprphotography.co.uk) — Jolanta Lasota (right) with her ‘charity leader of the year’ award (credit Clint Randall www.pixelprphotography.co.uk)

A local charity boss has been commended for her leadership at a national awards ceremony.

Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of Muswell Hill-based charity Ambitious about Autism, has been named ‘charity leader of the year’ at the Benefact Group Charity Heroes Awards.

Recognised for her exceptional leadership, Jolanta has driven vital change, influencing public policy and expanding access to specialist education, helping shape a future where every autistic child can thrive.

Ambitious about Autism has grown from a single school into a national movement, championing rights, delivering specialist education and employment programmes, and creating meaningful opportunities for autistic young people.

Based at The Pears National Centre for Autism Education in Woodside Avenue, Ambitious about Autism was one of seven charities from across the UK and Ireland revealed as winners at the awards ceremony at the Tower of London.

Each of the winning charities was awarded £5,000 to support their impactful work.

Reacting to her win, Jolanta said: “Winning this award is a huge honour. Ambitious about Autism strives to build partnerships across the sector to have a bigger impact, and it’s wonderful to be recognised for this.

“These awards highlight a fantastic and wide range of good causes, creating opportunities for collaboration. We are very grateful to Benefact Group for its generous support for charities trying to make an impact in this challenging fundraising climate.”

Mark Hews, group chief executive of Benefact Group, said: “Hosting our first Benefact Group Charity Heroes Awards at the iconic Tower of London was an incredible privilege. It was a humbling, energising and inspiring event where we recognised unsung heroes in the charity sector, and heard how they are changing the world in which we live.

“There are many incredible charities doing life-changing work in communities up and down the UK, but these seven stood out for their passion, commitment and impact. We hope these awards will support them to continue their brilliant work. 

“Owned by a charity ourselves, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do. All our available profits go to good causes and the more our family of award-winning specialist financial services companies grows, the more the Benefact Group can give.” 

Since 2014, Benefact Group has donated over £230million to charitable causes and is recognised as the UK’s third-biggest corporate giver.

For more information and resources about autism, or to find out more about supporting Ambitious about Autism’s work:
Email [email protected]
Visit ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk

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