Early years specialist Mine Conkbayir has said being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours brings with it “a moral duty” to “make a positive difference to society”. The lecturer, author and trainer, who is a doctor of philosophy, has more than two decades of experience in early childhood education and hosts a podcast with her husband, actor Paul Whitehouse, called I’m ADHD! No You’re Not.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list,” she told the PA news agency. “For me, my MBE brings with it a moral duty to continue to do all I can to make a positive difference to society. “It motivates me to ensure all my actions cause ripple effects that can transform the lives of those in our society who experience struggle, hardship and discrimination on a daily basis.”.
She added that the MBE “inspires me to continue to work tirelessly as an advocate for those without a voice or choice”. She continued: “I am driven to act especially on behalf of children, young people and those serving prison sentences in order to effect change for them individually and collectively.
“I am determined that my MBE will not just be three letters after my name but will have a legacy of actions for many others to benefit from and follow.”. Ms Conkbayir, who has appeared on TV shows including Talk TV and ITV’s Lorraine, trains in early years education and takes a neuroscience-based approach to understanding the developing brain.
