UK
Farzana Baduel named among BBC Rising Roots 2026 changemakers: Farzana Baduel, CEO and Co-founder of Curzon PR and President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, has been named among the external honourees recognised through Rising Roots 2026.
Developed by BBC Embrace with the support of BBC Asian Network, Rising Roots celebrates British-born and British-based South Asians whose leadership, creativity, advocacy and community impact are helping to shape the future of South Asian communities across the UK.
Farzana was one of ten external changemakers recognised at a special event at BBC Broadcasting House in London on 30 July, held as part of South Asian Heritage Month.
Her recognition reflects a career spent advancing representation within communications and creating opportunities for others. Alongside leading international strategic communications consultancy Curzon PR, Baduel is serving as CIPR President for 2026 and is a co-founder of the Asian Communications Network, which connects and supports Asian professionals working across communications, media and marketing.
She is also a trustee of The HALO Trust and co-host of BBC Radio 4’s When It Hits the Fan.
Farzana Baduel said:“I am honoured to be recognised as a Rising Roots 2026 honouree alongside people making such valuable contributions across British society. My South Asian heritage has shaped how I lead and communicate, and I am grateful to BBC Embrace and BBC Asian Network for highlighting the many ways South Asian communities contribute to life in Britain.”
The theme of South Asian Heritage Month 2026, Unity in Diversity, celebrates the cultures, languages, faiths and experiences found across South Asian communities, as well as the shared connections that bring people together.
Farzana was one of ten external community honourees recognised by Rising Roots 2026. The initiative celebrates people who bring communities and cultures together, champion inclusion and belonging, create opportunities for others and inspire future generations.
