Yvonne Thompson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yvonne Thompson
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| Born |
Guyana, South America
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| Nationality | British |
| Education | Croydon Polytechnic |
| Occupation | Business leader |
| Known for | Founder of the European Federation of Black Women Business Owners (EFBWBO) |
| Awards | European Women Of Achievement Award |
Yvonne Thompson is a British business leader. She is known for her work supporting women in business and promoting fairness in the workplace. Many people call her "Britain's first black self-made woman millionaire."
She helped start the radio station Choice FM. She was also a music editor for Root magazine. Yvonne Thompson led her own marketing and public relations company, ASAP Communications. She also became the president of the European Federation of Black Women Business Owners. In 2018, she became the chair of The Radio Academy.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Yvonne Thompson was born in Guyana, South America. She moved to Britain in 1961. When she was younger, she thought about becoming a medical doctor or a nurse. She left school at 16 and studied at Croydon Polytechnic. She later realized she wanted to pursue a different path.
She worked at NatWest bank. At 20, she became a personal assistant at Phonogram Records. This led to jobs at Warner Brothers and CBS. She decided to leave CBS because she felt she wasn't getting fair chances for promotion.
In 1983, Yvonne Thompson started her own company, ASAP Communications. This company was special because it helped black music artists get noticed. She created unique public relations plans just for them.
Making a Difference in Media and Business
Yvonne Thompson wrote for Root, which was the UK's first glossy magazine for black people. She also played a big part in starting Choice FM radio station. Choice FM began in 1990 and was the UK's first Black music radio station. It later became known as Capital XTRA.
In 1996, she founded the European Federation of Black Women Business Owners (EFBWBO). This organization helps black women who own businesses in Europe.
In 2014, Yvonne Thompson wrote her first book. It is called 7 Traits of Highly Successful Women on Boards. In her book, she encourages society to create equal opportunities. She wants young women to have the chance to become leaders. She believes they should be able to join company boards without being held back because of their gender.
Yvonne Thompson has worked with many public groups. She has also led or been a member of boards for many organizations, including government agencies. In 2018, she was chosen to lead The Radio Academy. In 2022, she became the Chair of the Black Cultural Archives.
Awards and Special Recognition
Yvonne Thompson has received several important awards for her work.
- In 2001, she received the European Women Of Achievement Award.
- In 2003, she was honored by the Queen. She was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This award was for her services to black and ethnic minority businesses.
- In 2005, she received an honorary doctorate from London Metropolitan University. This was for her contributions to small businesses and mass communications. She also has an honorary degree from Plymouth University.
- The Mayor of Houston, Texas, even declared January 4, 2004, as "Yvonne Thomson Day."
