Stepping Stones NI Chief Officer Paula Jennings receives MBE at Windsor Castle
The Chief Officer of Lisburn-based charity Stepping Stones NI, Paula Jennings, has received her MBE at a special investiture ceremony with The Prince of Wales, Prince William, at Windsor Castle.
The MBE was awarded in recognition of her commitment and services to people with learning difficulties in Northern Ireland.
Through her leadership at Stepping Stones NI, Paula has played an important role in the organisation's development, as it provides vital services for people with disabilities and those facing barriers to learning.
Her strategic vision has supported the inclusion of people with disabilities in society over the last 28 years.
Congratulating Paula on her MBE, the board of Stepping Stones NI stated: “Paula’s MBE is extremely well deserved. She’s been an outstanding advocate and champion for people in Northern Ireland’s disability sector.
"We are very proud to celebrate this recognition with her alongside our staff team, trainees, clients, and entire Stepping Stones NI family.”
Paula has been central to the growth of Stepping Stones NI over the last 28 years.
Speaking after the investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Paula said: “It was an incredible privilege and honour to receive an MBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle, who asked about Stepping Stones NI and funding challenges.
"We were blessed with a perfect spring sunny day, as I celebrated the occasion with my husband and three daughters. A day I will never forget.”
Paula goes on to say: “I am very proud to represent Stepping Stones NI and the disability sector in Northern Ireland. However, this MBE doesn’t belong to me alone.
"It belongs to every single person who makes Stepping Stones NI what it is. It belongs to the incredible people we support, who are at the heart of everything we do, and to our amazing team of staff and board who dedicate themselves every day to seeing everyone’s potential.”
Colleagues, service users and supporters have warmly congratulated Paula on the achievement, describing the honour as a fitting recognition of her commitment, passion and leadership within the sector.
Her award also shines a light on the important work carried out by Stepping Stones NI and the positive impact it continues to make across the community.