Meet Grand Final Judge, Baroness Doreen Lawrence

On Monday 10th July, Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge Grand Finalists will take to the stage of the Cambridge Theatre. Every speech is unique and inspiring in its own way, making it an incredibly tough decision to determine who the next Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge Grand Champion will be.

The panel consists of artists, presenters, athletes and campaigners all known for using their voice to create change. They will judge the competition based on the content, delivery, structure and positive impact of each speech and help us crown this years winner.

In no particular order, let’s meet the judges! 

Baroness Doreen Lawrence is a campaigner and founder of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust. She continues to advocate and provide a voice for the voiceless with her continued commitment to inequalities in societies globally.

We asked Doreen, in your experience, what does it mean to find your voice?

“We all have something to give to the world and using your voice to relay that is extremely important.”

Why is empowering young people important to you? 

“We need to get our young people into a position where they think about the world they want to grow up into.”

What does communication mean to you?

“Clearly letting people know what you stand for and the person you are.”

And finally, thinking about our young speakers, how can they provoke the change they want to see in the world?

“They can read wide and expose themselves to opportunities that equip them for the future.”