Influencers are rapidly shaping what we see on social media, making it more important than ever to elevate voices that represent true diversity and inclusion. As people increasingly turn to platforms like Instagram and TikTok for information, inspiration, and community, ensuring a wide range of perspectives is essential for building a more equitable digital world.
How do influencers impact diversity and inclusion?
Diversity and inclusion matter because they ensure that everyone — regardless of race, gender, ability, background, or identity — has a voice, a seat at the table, and a fair chance to thrive. In a world that is becoming more connected yet still faces deep inequalities, representation is not just important — it's essential. Influencers who dedicate their platforms to diversity and inclusion play a powerful role in pushing conversations forward, challenging biases, and inspiring meaningful change. By amplifying marginalised voices, educating their audiences, and modeling authentic leadership, these individuals are helping to create a more just and equitable society, both online and offline. Their work reminds us that social media can be a tool for unity, awareness, and progress when used with intention and heart.
Why is it important to diversify who we follow on social media?
Social media algorithms are designed to show us content similar to what we've already engaged with, which often creates "echo chambers" — online spaces where we mainly see perspectives that mirror our own. While this can feel comfortable, it limits our understanding of the world and can reinforce unconscious biases. Intentionally following diverse voices helps break through these barriers by introducing new ideas, lived experiences, and cultural viewpoints that we might not otherwise encounter. It broadens our thinking, deepens our empathy, and challenges assumptions we may not even realise we hold. A more diverse feed leads to richer conversations, greater cultural awareness, and a more well-rounded view of social issues — all of which are essential for personal growth and for contributing meaningfully to a more inclusive society.
Who are the Top 20 Diversity & Inclusion Influencers?
Explore the official list of the Top 20 Diversity & Inclusion influencers, carefully curated by Director Jack Hayes and Celebrity & Brand Partnership Executive Charlie Carey. This selection is informed by insights from 126 exclusive consumer polls, evaluating the effectiveness of campaigns led by Diversity & Inclusion influencers.
1. Alex Scott
Alex Scott MBE is a pioneering British sports presenter, former professional footballer, and a leading advocate for diversity and inclusion in sport and media. After a celebrated career with Arsenal and England, Scott broke barriers as the first female pundit on Sky Sports' Super Sunday and the first woman to commentate on a men’s World Cup for the BBC. Beyond broadcasting, she champions equality through initiatives like the Alex Scott Academy and her memoir How (Not) To Be Strong, openly addressing issues like racism, domestic abuse, and representation.
2. Ade Adepitan MBE
Ade Adepitan MBE is a British Paralympian, broadcaster, and leading advocate for disability rights and inclusion. After contracting polio as a child in Nigeria, he went on to win a Paralympic bronze in wheelchair basketball and became one of the UK's first disabled TV presenters. Through programmes like The Travel Show and Africa with Ade Adepitan, he challenges perceptions of disability and promotes global understanding. A passionate charity supporter and public speaker, he uses his platform to inspire resilience and representation. In 2024, he became Chancellor of Birmingham City University, cementing his legacy in education and social advocacy.
3. 2 Travel Dads
Rob and Chris Taylor, known as 2 Travel Dads, are the first prominent LGBT family travel bloggers, using their platform to celebrate inclusivity, family, and adventure. As two dads raising their sons while exploring the world, they share real stories, travel tips, and parenting experiences through their blog, Instagram, and podcast. Their content empowers LGBTQ+ families and inspires broader audiences to embrace diverse family dynamics. Whether road-tripping across the U.S. or adventuring abroad, 2 Travel Dads champion visibility, representation, and the idea that love and curiosity know no bounds.
4. Ellie Middleton
Ellie Middleton is a leading British neurodiversity advocate, using her platform to champion inclusion and awareness for autistic and ADHD individuals. Diagnosed at 24, she transformed her personal challenges into a powerful movement, sharing honest insights on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. Her viral content has sparked millions of conversations about authenticity and neurodivergent representation in the workplace. As founder of (un)masked and author of Unmasked, she supports and educates neurodivergent adults while partnering with major brands like Google and LinkedIn. Middleton's work is reshaping perceptions and creating space for neurodivergent voices to be heard, valued, and celebrated.
5. Jake & Hannah Graf
Jake & Hannah Graf are one of the UK’s most prominent transgender couples, using their platforms to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and celebrate modern family life. As parents to two daughters via surrogacy, they share an honest, heartwarming look into their journey through social media, offering representation and hope to other queer families. Jake, a filmmaker, and Hannah, an MBE-awarded former Army officer, also speak publicly and co-authored Becoming Us to challenge stigma and educate on trans issues. Their openness, advocacy, and love redefine what family looks like and continue to inspire a more inclusive, understanding society.
6. Munroe Bergdorf
Munroe Bergdorf is a trailblazing British model, writer, and activist known for using her platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and mental health awareness. As the first openly transgender model in a L’Oréal UK campaign, her bold advocacy sparked national dialogue on race and representation. Reappointed to L’Oréal’s Diversity & Inclusion Board in 2020, she continues to drive change within and beyond the beauty industry. Her memoir Transitional and her role as UN Women UK's first Champion reflect her deep commitment to equality. Through activism and storytelling, Bergdorf challenges societal norms and inspires a more inclusive future.
7. Levi Roots
Levi Roots, the British-Jamaican entrepreneur behind Reggae Reggae Sauce, rose to fame after his iconic Dragons’ Den pitch blended food, music, and culture. Since then, he has used his platform to champion diversity, inclusion, and Caribbean heritage, sharing his journey from Brixton to business success on social media. Through vibrant content featuring music, cooking, and motivational stories, Roots inspires underrepresented communities to pursue their ambitions. Beyond business, he engages in youth mentorship and entrepreneurship initiatives, cementing his role as a cultural ambassador and advocate for representation, empowerment, and the celebration of Black British identity.
8. Maggie Aderin-Pocock
Dr Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock is a renowned British space scientist and science communicator who uses her platform to champion diversity and inclusion in STEM. Diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, she defied expectations to earn a PhD in mechanical engineering and now inspires young people—especially girls and underrepresented students—through engaging science content on social media. A presenter on The Sky at Night and Chancellor of the University of Leicester, she was also honoured with a Barbie Role Model doll. Her mission: to make space science accessible and show that anyone, regardless of background, can reach for the stars.
9. Matt Haig
Matt Haig is a British author and mental health advocate who uses his social media platforms to foster honest conversations around mental health, neurodiversity, and the challenges of modern life. Through candid posts and bestselling books like Reasons to Stay Alive, Haig shares his experiences with depression, anxiety, autism, and ADHD, creating space for others to feel seen and understood. He also critiques the pressures of social media, encouraging mindful use and emotional wellbeing. With his blend of personal storytelling and public advocacy, Haig promotes a more compassionate, inclusive view of mental health in both digital and real-world spaces.
10. Nicola Adams OBE
Nicola Adams OBE is a trailblazing British Olympian, best known as the first female boxer to win Olympic gold—twice—and a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion. Beyond her legendary boxing career, Adams has used her platform to champion human rights and representation, topping The Independent’s list of influential LGBTQ+ figures in Britain. She made history again on Strictly Come Dancing as part of the show’s first same-sex couple. Through her social media, brand partnerships, and public speaking, Adams continues to inspire others by promoting confidence, equality, and the power of living authentically.
11. Lemn Sissay
Lemn Sissay OBE is a celebrated British-Ethiopian poet, author, and broadcaster whose powerful work sheds light on identity, race, and the care system. Drawing from his own experience growing up in foster care, Sissay uses poetry, public speaking, and media to amplify underrepresented voices and advocate for inclusion, mental health, and social justice. His acclaimed memoir My Name Is Why and role as former Chancellor of the University of Manchester reflect his dedication to education and equality. With a voice rooted in resilience and truth, Sissay continues to challenge societal norms and inspire change through creativity and compassion.
12. Paris Lees
Paris Lees is a pioneering British writer, journalist, and broadcaster who has become one of the UK’s most influential voices for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusive representation. As the first openly transgender woman featured in and to write for British Vogue, and a trailblazer in mainstream media, Lees uses her platform to challenge stereotypes and promote equality. Her acclaimed memoir What It Feels Like For a Girl is being adapted into a BBC drama, further amplifying her message. Through her journalism, public speaking, and social media, Lees continues to advocate for a more diverse, compassionate, and representative cultural landscape.
13. Jonny Benjamin & Neil Leybourn
Neil Laybourn & Jonny Benjamin MBE are leading mental health advocates whose powerful story began when Laybourn prevented Benjamin’s suicide on Waterloo Bridge in 2008. Their viral reunion through the #FindMike campaign sparked global awareness and led to the Channel 4 documentary The Stranger on the Bridge. Together, they co-founded Beyond, a charity supporting young people’s mental health. Through social media and public speaking, they promote open conversations, early intervention, and emotional support. Their story of compassion and recovery continues to break down stigma and inspire a more inclusive, understanding approach to mental health.
14. June Sarpong
June Sarpong OBE is a renowned British broadcaster, author, and diversity champion with over two decades in media. As the BBC’s first Director of Creative Diversity, she has led initiatives to ensure content reflects and serves all communities. Through her books—including Diversify and The Power of Privilege—she tackles systemic inequality and advocates for inclusive change. Sarpong also co-founded the WIE Network, empowering women in leadership. Honoured with both an MBE and OBE, her work continues to shape public discourse on representation, making her a leading voice for diversity in British culture and media.
15. Gareth Thomas
Gareth Thomas is a Welsh rugby legend turned powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness. As the first openly gay professional rugby union player, he broke barriers in sport and inspired a global conversation around inclusion and identity. In 2019, Thomas shared his HIV diagnosis to combat stigma, using his platform to educate and empower others. Through his autobiography Proud, public speaking, and media appearances, he promotes resilience, acceptance, and health awareness. Thomas’s courage on and off the field continues to challenge stereotypes and drive meaningful change in sports and society.
16. Katie Piper
Katie Piper OBE is a British TV presenter, author, and philanthropist who transformed personal tragedy into a powerful platform for change. After surviving a life-changing acid attack in 2008, she founded The Katie Piper Foundation to support burns survivors and those with visible differences. Her BAFTA-nominated documentary Katie: My Beautiful Face and bestselling books have brought awareness to issues of recovery, confidence, and mental health. Through social media, speaking engagements, and television, Piper continues to inspire with her openness, resilience, and commitment to inclusion—proving that beauty, strength, and advocacy come in many forms.
17. Piers Linney
Piers Linney is a British entrepreneur, investor, and former Dragon’s Den panellist who champions diversity and inclusion in business. With a background in law, finance, and tech, Linney has founded and led multiple companies, including Cloud Outsourcery and Genesis Communications. Through public speaking, his #ScaleUp initiative, and the Rethinking Business podcast, he empowers underrepresented entrepreneurs with practical guidance and future-focused insights. A vocal advocate for ethnic minority representation in tech and business, Linney has been recognised in the Financial Times' Top 100 Minority Ethnic Leaders list and continues to inspire through media, mentorship, and strategic content creation.
18. Charlene White
Charlene White is a prominent British journalist and television presenter, best known for her work with ITV News and as a regular anchor on Loose Women. In 2014, she made history as the first Black woman to present ITV News at Ten, becoming a powerful role model for Black women in media. Recognised on the Powerlist of the UK’s most influential people of African/African-Caribbean descent, Charlene champions visibility, diversity, and representation in broadcasting. Whether covering major news stories or connecting with audiences on shows like Celebrity Gogglebox and I’m a Celebrity, she continues to inspire with authenticity and impact.
19. Ellie Simmonds
Ellie Simmonds OBE is a retired British Paralympic swimmer, five-time gold medalist, and a passionate advocate for disability inclusion and body positivity. Since rising to fame as a teen Paralympian, she has broken world records and become a household name, using her platform to inspire others through sport, social media, and public speaking. A patron of the Dwarf Sports Association UK and ambassador for WaterAid, Ellie is deeply involved in charity work. Her recent appearance on Strictly Come Dancing further showcased her resilience and charm, making her a powerful voice for representation and a role model for young people everywhere.
20. Derek Redmond
Derek Redmond is a former British sprinter renowned for his determination and resilience. A European and World Champion in the 4x400m relay, he famously tore his hamstring during the 1992 Olympic semi-final but, with the support of his father, completed the race, creating one of the most iconic moments in Olympic history. Post-retirement, Redmond has become a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing his experiences to inspire others. He has also ventured into professional basketball and rugby, demonstrating versatility and perseverance. His story continues to motivate individuals facing challenges, emphasizing the power of determination and support.
Hire a Diversity & Inclusion Influencer Today!
If you are interested in hiring a Diversity & Inclusion Influencer from our exclusive selection for your next campaign, contact us today! Call one of our dedicated Matchmakers on 0203 9580 427 to discuss all aspects of your campaign, from theme to budget. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to begin the booking process. Amplify your next campaign with the authentic reach and impact our diversity and inclusion influencers are trusted to deliver.
