Dr. Bijna a distinguished former Banker turned Venture Capitalist and Entrepreneur is a highly respected figure for her efforts in leading diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) across the financial services industry. She was appointed Member of The Most Excellent Order Of The British Empire (MBE) by Her Royal Highness Princess Royal, Princess Anne, at a recent Investiture ceremony, held at Buckingham Palace, London.
Dr. Bijna was first appointed Member of The British Empire by Her Majesty, (Late) Queen Elizabeth II, in October 2020. The (Late) Queen was a dedicated Head of the Commonwealth, linking more than two billion people worldwide and first met with Dr. Bijna in 2010, when she was invited to Buckingham Palace for high tea and a tour in recognition of her commitment that has since earned her the MBE.
‘The recognition is appreciated and attributed to the supporters of my journey over the years; equally, it’s a responsibility towards which I hold myself accountable and will continue to deliver.
I have the utmost admiration for the Royal Family, having learnt about their impact through proximity of opportunities to serve The Crown, and having been supported through milestones by institutions of The Crown, over the years.
The Princess Royal leads by example in her patronage of Opportunity International and over 300 charities, organisations and military regiments in the UK and overseas. In a similar fashion His Majesty, King Charles III has been instrumental in establishing more than 20 charities over 40 years, including The Prince’s Trust, which I have also served and taken inspiration from early on in my career’, states Dr. Bijna.
The prestigious MBE is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and service to the community, significantly impacting society.
Originating from Leicestershire, England, Dr. Bijna has since worked in some of the world’s most prominent financial centers including Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, SSGA, Morgan Stanley, and Lloyds Banking Group over the last twenty-three years. She has progressed through the ranks to C-suite roles whilst re-scripting the narrative on DE&I along the way. She has also become a recognised thought leader and voice in surrounding industries such as venture capital, fintech, and technology.
The well-deserved accumulation of awards and accolades from around the globe, including the likes of Fortune Magazine (2022), His Royal Highness Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2021), an Honorary Doctorate from De Montfort University (2018) and others, are a testament to Dr. Bijna’s undeniable commitment and dedication.
Dr. Bijna, an alumna of the University of Oxford and De Montfort University, identifies as a British-Indian female (of African descent). With her rich multicultural background, Dr. Bijna draws upon her lived experiences and professional resources to propel the global DE&I agenda forward, as she continues to embark on new initiatives and partnerships.
Her work focuses on a broad spectrum of verticals in DE&I including gender, race, ethnicity, neurodiversity, intersectionality, economic empowerment & financial literacy, emotional intelligence, allyship, social mobility, and more.
We at Symmetra are proud that our operating partner Dr. Bijna has received this high honour for her contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the UK.
For more information, please refer www.bijna.com